How does estrogen affect cardiovascular health?
Contrary to earlier hormone therapy studies, recent findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) showed that estrogen-progestin therapy initiated in older women does not protect against heart disease; in fact, the WHI showed that one form of hormone, sold as Prempro, when prescribed to healthy older women (average age 65) to prevent heart disease actually increased their risk for the disease in the first year or two of use. • What is known about the benefits of hormone therapy on bone health? Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by decreased bone mass, deterioration of bone architecture and high bone fragility, making bone fractures of great concern. Estrogen deficiency is the most common risk factor for osteoporosis in women. Estrogen, with and without progestin, has been shown to be a protective and effective prevention measure against osteoporosis.
