Risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy: the evidence speaks.

ABSTRACT: Until recently, observational studies suggested a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporotic fractures, cognitive decline and colon cancer with the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Recent randomized controlled trials have failed to show a protective effect of HRT in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease and instead have revealed an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, invasive breast cancer and venous thromboembolism, but a decreased risk of colorectal cancer and osteoporotic fractures. In this article we review the current evidence of the risks and benefits of HRT.

SUBMITTER: Humphries KH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC152685 | biostudies-literature | 2003 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature