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ESTROGEN THERAPY GETS A REPRIEVE

5-year-old study linking to heart risks was misinterpreted, researchers now say

By Caroline Miller, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 21, 2007 6:09 PM CDT

(Newser) – Estrogen replacement therapy was wrongly villified five years ago, when researchers told millions of post-menopausal women to stop taking it because it increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes, a reanalysis of the same data shows. It was a false alarm, the Los Angeles Times reports. In fact, the new analysis says, it reduces heart risks.

New findings published in today's New England Journal of Medicine indicate that HRT doesn't increase risks in patients who start taking it within 10 years of menopause; those who took HRT for at least 7 years after menopause had 60% less atherosclerosis. One theory is that the benefits occur only if it is started before atherosclerosis sets in; estrogen started later produces the damaging effects.

This image made available by the Duke University Department of Medicine shows a right breast mammogram from a 55 year old woman with extreme breast density. About one in 50 of U.S. women _ those with... (Associated Press)

Dr. Murray Rebner reviews a mammogram done using digital technology at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan. (KRT Photos)

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ESTROGEN THERAPY GETS A REPRIEVE

5-year-old study linking to heart risks was misinterpreted, researchers now say

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health • women's health • women • heart • estrogen • menopause • estrogen replacement therapy

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More Newser Stories

Night Shifts Boost Women's Diabetes Risk

Those who work rotating shifts more likely to get disease: Study

Surgeon General: Here's Why Women Skip Exercise

...they want to keep their hair nice

Women Don't Trust Palin on Abortion: Poll

54% of all voters think Planned Parenthood trustworthy; 24% think same of Palin

Why Women Live Longer Than 'Disposable' Men

Females built to last for reproductive success: scientist

Hormone Pills Boost Breast Cancer Risks

Post-menopausal treatments make cancer more deadly

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ESTROGEN THERAPY GETS A REPRIEVE

5-year-old study linking to heart risks was misinterpreted, researchers now say

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

health • women's health • women • heart • estrogen • menopause • estrogen replacement therapy

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Night Shifts Boost Women's Diabetes Risk

Those who work rotating shifts more likely to get disease: Study

Surgeon General: Here's Why Women Skip Exercise

...they want to keep their hair nice

Women Don't Trust Palin on Abortion: Poll

54% of all voters think Planned Parenthood trustworthy; 24% think same of Palin

Why Women Live Longer Than 'Disposable' Men

Females built to last for reproductive success: scientist

Hormone Pills Boost Breast Cancer Risks

Post-menopausal treatments make cancer more deadly

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?