Hormone Therapy in Menopause: Why Does Age Matter?

The cardiovascular safety of hormone therapy used to treat vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats in postmenopausal women is back in the spotlight. A newly published large analysis has shown that postmenopausal hormone therapy has different cardiovascular effects depending on age.

More than 27,000 postmenopausal women were evaluated in the analysis. The findings showed that oral estrogen ± progestin therapy started in the 50–59 age group or within the first 10 years of menopause did not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. In contrast, the risk rose markedly in women aged 70 and older. In particular, among those using the estrogen + progestin combination, the risk of cardiovascular disease increased more than threefold.

The researchers emphasized that hormone therapy is effective for symptom control in younger postmenopausal women, but that starting it at an older age can have serious vascular consequences.

Conclusion: In menopausal hormone therapy, not only the symptoms but also the patient's age and cardiovascular risk profile should be taken into account in treatment decisions.

Source:

Lou, N. (2025, September 15). Heart risks of hormone therapy for hot flashes double starting at this age. MedPage Today. https://www.medpagetoday.com/obgyn/menopause/117467