From the Cross County Cardiology Education Team
Women using estrogen-based hormone therapy to manage menopause symptoms may also be helping their hearts, according to new research presented at the 2024 annual meeting of The Menopause Society.
The study analyzed data from the Women’s Health Initiative clinical trials to see how two common treatments—conjugated equine estrogens (CEE) and CEE combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA)—affect heart health. The results showed both treatments had positive effects on key cardiovascular health markers.
Here’s What They Found:
- Good cholesterol (HDL): Increased by 13% with CEE and 7% with CEE + MPA.
- Bad cholesterol (LDL): Decreased by about 11% for both treatments.
- Lipoprotein(a): Dropped by 15% with CEE and 20% with CEE + MPA.
- Insulin resistance: Improved by 14% with CEE and 8% with CEE + MPA.
While CEE showed slightly more benefits than CEE + MPA, both treatments had similar positive impacts overall. One exception was triglycerides, where results varied.
“Women and healthcare providers have often been hesitant to use hormone therapy because of concerns about side effects,” explained Dr. Stephanie Faubion from the Mayo Clinic. “Studies like this help women feel more confident in using hormone therapy to manage menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes.”
Dr. Matthew Nudy, a cardiologist at Penn State Health, added that future studies should explore other progestogen formulations to see if they provide even better heart health benefits.
What This Means for You:
This research provides valuable insights into the potential heart health benefits of hormone therapy during menopause. However, every woman is different, and it’s essential to discuss treatment options with your doctor to find what works best for your health and lifestyle.
Want to learn more? Reach out to our team at Cross County Cardiology to discuss your heart health. We’re here to help!
