HRT - "Summary of Risk Ratios"

Reasons to take HRT

Colon Cancer

The meta-study results show a risk reduction - the range is from 0.74 to 0.86 (a 14% to 26% reduction in risk). We have more confidence in the meta-study results because they are commensurate with the WHI results.

Hip Fracture

The meta-study puts the Risk Ratio between 0.56 and 1.01. An additional randomized trial ("HOPE", JAMA v 287, p 2669, 2002) also concluded that standard dose HRT caused significant gains in bone mass density in postmenopausal women, supporting these results.

Illnesses that are not significantly impacted by HRT

Coronary Heart Disease

The results of studies on the impact of HRT on CHD are inconclusive. The risk ratio ranges between 0.67 and 1.33. While further studies could improve the statistical accuracy, there is no incentive to continue experimentation because of the other risks.

Stay tuned - this is not the end of the story!


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