Systematic Review

Cochrane Review Updates Long-Term Hormone Therapy Risk-Benefit Profile

This updated Cochrane systematic review of 24 trials (45,660 participants) found that oestrogen-only hormone therapy probably makes little to no difference to coronary events and breast cancer risk, but probably reduces fracture risk, while combined hormone therapy probably increases breast cancer risk and may increase stroke and thromboembolism risk. The review reinforces that hormone therapy risk profiles differ substantially between formulation types and should be individualized based on each woman's health history and timing of menopause.