Hormone therapy tied to lower heart disease risk in women with menopause symptoms

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease among perimenopausal and recently postmenopausal women experiencing hot flashes or night sweats, according to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine. These symptoms in perimenopause are associated with increased future cardiovascular risk. Researchers followed 2,737 women who had no history of cardiovascular disease or prior MHT use. Those who used MHT had a 22% lower risk of cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke and heart failure, compared with nonusers. The association was stronger among women who began MHT within 10 years of menopause and among Black women. Researchers cautioned that the findings do not support using MHT specifically to prevent cardiovascular disease.