For decades, women were told that hormone therapy (HT)—usually a combination of estrogen and progestin—was good for them during and after menopause. But all that changed in 2002 after the release of the Women's Health Initiative study, which showed that HT had an increased risk of heart attacks, stroke, blood clots and breast cancer.

With all the controversy, many women stopped taking it, but more recent studies including updates of that original study show that hormone therapy may have protective benefits for women who are early in menopause. And, if used properly, it may help relieve some of the more difficult symptoms of menopause.

Next »

By Elisabeth Bergman; Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD