“For women who initiate HT more than 10 or 20 years from menopause onset or when aged 60 years or older, the benefit-risk ratio appears less favorable than for…”.1
Umbrella
What may the Hormone Therapy and Heart Disease, Stroke Prevention Umbrella include?
Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Coronary Heart Disease
- Heart Disease
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Therapy (HT)
- Ischemic Heart Disease
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Stroke
Cardiovascular Diseases
What are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)?
DotS the definition of CVDs may vary. The World Health Organization’s definition is:
Type

What can it be important to be clear about with hormone therapy (HT) and heart disease and stroke prevention information?
It can be important to be clear about the type of HT – Estrogen Plus Progestogen HT or Estrogen Therapy.
Younger Than Age 60 or Not
What can it also be important to be clear about with HT and heart disease and stroke prevention information?
It can also be important to be clear about whether HT and heart disease and stroke prevention information is about women “younger than age 60 years or within 10 years of menopause”.
Younger Than Age 60
For women younger than age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, what is the association between HT and heart disease and stroke prevention?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy: Potential Risks the North American Menopause Society in June 2017 explain:
“Some studies suggest that HT might be good for your heart if you start before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause”.3
For women younger than 60 or within 10 years of menopause, what are some points of consensus about MHT and cardioprotection?
Some points of consensus in the Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT – endorsed by seven menopause-related organizations – published online 20 June 2016, are:
- “RCTs and observational data as well as meta-analyses provide evidence that standard-dose estrogen-alone MHT may decrease the risk of myocardial infarction and all cause mortality when initiated in women younger than 60 years of age and/or within 10 years of menopause
- Data on estrogen plus progestogen MHT initiated in women younger than age 60 years or within 10 years of menopause show a less compelling trend for mortality benefit, and evidence on cardioprotection is less robust with inconsistent results compared to the estrogen-alone group”.4
What is RCTs?
RCTs can be an abbreviation for Randomized Controlled Trials.
After Age 60
For women after age 60 or further than 10 years from menopause, what is the association between HT and heart disease and stroke prevention?
On page one in Deciding About Hormone Therapy: Potential Risks the North American Menopause Society in June 2017 elaborate on:
“… if you start HT further from menopause or after age 60 , HT might slightly increase your risk of heart disease. Although there are risks associated with taking HT, they are not common, and most go away after you stop treatment. In general, HT is associated with fewer than 2 additional harmful events per 1,000 women per year. For example, the increased chance of breast cancer with HT use is 1 extra case per 1,000 women per year”.5
On page one in NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Remains the Most Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes and Other Troublesome Menopause Symptoms, Regardless of a Woman’s Age published on 20 June 2017, the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) also note:
- “For women who initiate HT more than 10 or 20 years from menopause onset or when aged 60 years or older, the benefit-risk ratio appears less favorable than for younger women because of greater absolute risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, venous thromboembolism, and dementia”.6
U.S. Preventative Services Task Force
In 2017, what did the (United States) U.S. Preventative Services Task Force note in their final recommendations for women who have gone through menopause and the primary prevention of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, dementia, cancer and bone fractures?
In Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Women: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions the USPSTF’s recommendations include:
The USPSTF recommends against the use of combined estrogen and progestin for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women”.7
In Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Women: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions the USPSTF’s recommendations also include:
The USPSTF recommends against the use of estrogen alone for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy”.8
Health Care Provider
What if I choose to use HT and would like to lower my risk of heart disease and/or stroke?
If you would like to choose to use HT and lower your risk of heart disease and/or stroke, it may be in your best interest to also choose to talk to your health care provider about this. Together you can discuss your options and if required, agree on who may be the most appropriate health care provider to help you.
Health Topics A-Z
Where may I find Health Topics related to Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention?
In Health Topics A-Z you may find:
Health Topics A-Z
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Heart Disease and Women
- Hormone Therapy
- Hormone Therapy 2016 Revised Global Consensus Statement
- Hormone Therapy 2017 Update for Chronic Conditions
- Hormone Therapy Alternatives
- Hormone Therapy Benefits and Risks
- Hormone Therapy Risks
- Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease
- Stroke Prevention
Links
Where may I find Links related to Hormone Therapy and Heart Disease, Stroke Prevention?
Your Country may have Links similar to:
Links
This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.- 9 Myths and Misunderstandings About Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): 4. Misunderstanding – MHT Increases the Risk of Heart Disease
- BMS & WHC’s 2020 Recommendations on Hormone Replacement Therapy In Menopausal Women
- Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Bioidentical Hormones Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Bioidentical Hormones: Are They Safer?
- COVID-19 & CVD
- Cardiovascular Diseases
- Combined Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)
- Complementary Medicine Options for Menopausal Symptoms
- Complementary and Alternative Therapies Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use
- EMAS Menopause Essentials
- EMAS Replay: The Relevance of Estrogen and Progestogen Choice for Breast Safety During MHT [Multiply Languages]
- EMAS Replay: Risk Assessment for MHT – When, To Whom, Which, and How Long? [Multiply Languages]
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
- Early Menopause: Experiences and Perspectives of Women and Health Practitioners – Women’s Profiles
- Estrogen & Hormones: Estrogen & Heart Disease
- Estrogen & Hormones: Estrogen & Heart Disease – Post-Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Estrogen, Hormone Therapy and Menopause
- Family History
- Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
- Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
- Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
- Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women]
- HRT: Benefits and Risks
- HRT: Summary
- HRT: Types, Doses and Regimens
- Hormone Replacement Therapy
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Explained – A British Menopause Society Video
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Alternatives
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): Types
- Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Women: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions
- Hormone Therapy for Menopause
- Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?
- Hot Flashes: Manage Without Medication?
- Hot Flashes: What Can I Do?
- How To Prevent Heart Disease After Menopause
- Infographic: Women and Heart Disease
- Information About Menopause [Multiply Languages] [Videos]
- Know Your Numbers? They Could Just Save Your Life
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Postmenopause Health – The Menopause: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) [+ Video: Is HRT Bad for You?]
- Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Postmenopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Myths]
- Learning To Cope With Hot Flashes
- Lifestyle and Behaviour Changes for Menopausal Symptoms
- Lifestyle and Behavioural Modifications for Menopausal Symptoms
- Making Sense of Menopausal Hormone Therapy Means Understanding the Benefits As Well As the Risks
- Managing Menopausal Symptoms—Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Not the Only Option!
- Mayo Clinic Minute: Help With Hot Flashes Due To Menopause [+ Video]
- Mayo Clinic Minute: How Lifestyle Changes May Help Manage Menopause Symptoms [+ Video]
- Mayo Mindfulness: Tackle Stress, Anxiety and Depression To Benefit Your Heart
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Menopause
- Menopause
- Menopause FAQs: Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms
- Menopause Hormone Replacement Therapy and Your Heart
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Follow-Up Appointments?
- Menopause Hormone Therapy: Who Shouldn’t Take It?
- Menopause Management: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) – Cardiovascular Disease
- Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Stages of Menopause: Postmenopause
- Menopause Symptoms and Relief
- Menopause Treatment
- Menopause and Heart Disease: Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Affect Your Risk of Heart and Circulatory Disease?
- Menopause and Your Health
- Menopause: Diagnosis and Management – Information for the Public: Questions To Ask About Menopause [NICE Guideline]
- Menopause: Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT) Safe? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- Menopause: Medicines To Help You
- Menopause: Menopause – Hormone Treatments
- Menopause: What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (HRT)? [Multiply Languages] [Video]
- My Life Check | Life’s Simple 7
- NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cardiovascular Disease
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chelation for Coronary Heart Disease: What You Need To Know
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Menopausal Symptoms: In Depth
- Non-Estrogen Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- NonHormonal Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms
- Oestrogen Only Menopausal Hormone Therapy
- Postmenopause
- Preventing Cardiovascular Disease
- Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis
- Report on Latest Menopause Science Looks At Heart Risks
- Risks and Benefits of MHT
- The Heart Truth
- Tuesday Tips: 8 Myths About Heart Disease You Need To Know [+ Video]
- Video Series-2020: What You Need to Know About Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Video Series-2021: What You Need to Know About the #1 Cause of Death in Women
- Video Series-2021: What Women Need to Know About Hormone Therapies
- Video Series-2022: Hormone Therapy: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
- Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Menopause More Than Hot Flashes
- Videos and Podcasts: Interviews and Podcasts – Interviews: Prevention of Chronic Diseases In Women: Where Does MHT Fit In?
- Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
- Webinars: Previous – Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease With MHT – Where Are We Now?
- What Can I Do To Help With Hot Flashes?
- What Is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) and Is It Safe?
- Women’s Wellness: Treating Hot Flashes and Night Sweats Without Hormones [+ Video]
Sources
Where may I find the Sources quoted?
You may find the Sources quoted at:
Sources
- NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Remains the Most Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes and Other Troublesome Menopause Symptoms, Regardless of a Woman’s Age. 20 June 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ht-press-release-061917.pdf Accessed: 23 May 2022
- Cardiovascular Diseases. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/health-topics/cardiovascular-diseases#tab=tab_1 Accessed: 23 May 2022
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 23 May 2022
- De Villiers, T. J., Hall, J. E., Pinkerton, J. V., Pérez, S. C., Rees, M., Yang, C. and Pierroz, D. D. Revised Global Consensus Statement on Menopausal Hormone Therapy: Section A: Benefit/Risk Profile of MHT. Climacteric, 2016;19:4:313-314 https://www.imsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/global-consensus-hrt-2016-06.pdf Accessed: 23 May 2022
- Deciding About Hormone Therapy Use: Potential Risks. 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/for-women/menonote-deciding-about-ht-2017.pdf Accessed: 23 May 2022
- NAMS 2017 Position Statement Updates Guidelines for Hormone Therapy Use: Hormone Therapy Remains the Most Effective Treatment for Hot Flashes and Other Troublesome Menopause Symptoms, Regardless of a Woman’s Age. 20 June 2017:1. North American Menopause Society https://www.menopause.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ht-press-release-061917.pdf Accessed: 23 May 2022
- Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Women: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions. Release Date: December 2017. Current As of: December 2017. U.S. Preventative Services Task Force https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/menopausal-hormone-therapy-preventive-medication Accessed: 23 May 2022
- Hormone Therapy In Postmenopausal Women: Primary Prevention of Chronic Conditions. Release Date: December 2017. Current As of: December 2017. U.S. Preventative Services Task Force https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/menopausal-hormone-therapy-preventive-medication Accessed: 23 May 2022