Menopause and heart disease
It is not clear why women tend to get heart disease at a later age than men, although it seems that the hormone oestrogen may give some protection during the reproductive years.
Hormone replacement therapy (HFT), which includes oestrogen replacement, has been used for many years for the short term treatment of troublesome menopausal symptoms. Depending on their doctors’ advice, HRT has sometimes also been used after menopause by women who have a low bone density caused by osteoporosis (bone loss). In this case, HRT is used to reduce the risk of future bone fracture, but the balance between risks and benefits of the treatment in an individual must still be considered. There is also other treatments for osteoporosis which are commonly used, rather than HRT.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has published booklets which provide information and advice on the use of HRT. The statement below contains some key points on HRT and heart disease adapted from these resources.
HRT and heart disease
It was thought in the past that HRT helped to protect women against heart disease, but recent large studies have found that this is not the case. The best evidence we have to date is that HRT does not provide any protection against heart disease or heart attack. Nor does it help to protect women who have already had a heart attack from further heart problems.
In summary, HRT is not recommended for preventing coronary heart disease in women,. It is also not recommended for preventing further heart problems in women who already have coronary heart disease.
Before commencing HRT (e.g. for the short-term treatment of menopausal symptoms), women should discuss the risks and benefits of the therapy with their doctors.