Compared to men, many women before the age of menopause seem to be partly protected from coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke. As women age, their risk of heart disease and stroke rises.   

AHA Recommendation 

The reasons for the lower incidence of coronary heart disease and stroke in younger women aren't clear. The loss of natural estrogen as women age may contribute to the higher risk of heart disease after menopause. However, in light of recent results from clinical trials, the American Heart Association does not advise women to take postmenopausal hormone therapy (PHT, formerly called hormone replacement therapy or HRT) to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease or stroke. To learn more, see the links to RELATED ITEMS on this page.

Questions and answers about postmenopausal hormone therapy

If you’ve gone through menopause or had your ovaries removed, you may be taking or considering estrogen or estrogen plus progestin. Many people were confused and alarmed by news about the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), which investigated two forms of PHT (estrogen only and estrogen plus progestin). In 2002, the estrogen plus progestin phase was halted (due to an increase in breast cancer in patients on active medication), and in 2004 the estrogen-only phase was halted (due to an increased risk of stroke and no reduction in the risk of heart disease in postmenopausal women who have had a hysterectomy).  

Before you make any decisions about PHT, be sure to talk first with your healthcare provider. 

Related AHA Scientific Statements:
Women