Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be linked to a decreased risk for heart problems, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the Hvidovre Hospital in Denmark. For the study researchers follow about 1000 women over ten years, half of whom were on HRT.
The researchers explained that those women using HRT "had significantly reduced risk of mortality, heart failure, or heart attack, without any apparent increase of cancer, deep vein thrombosis or stroke."
Thirty-three women in the study who not using HRT suffered deadly heart conditions over the course of ten years compared to just eleven who were using the treatment. The study adds support to the theory that HRT can help deflect heart problems if started shortly after menopause begins.
"It really confirms the timing hypothesis and hopefully will change the way we look at hormone therapy, so it will change the quality of life for many women," said study author Dr. Louise Schierbeck.
The data appears in the current edition of the British Medical Journal.
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