Systematic Review

Updated Cochrane Review Clarifies Benefits and Risks of Long-Term Hormone Therapy.

This updated Cochrane review confirms that oestrogen-only hormone therapy reduces fracture risk and probably has little effect on coronary events, but likely increases stroke and gallbladder disease risk. Combined hormone therapy probably increases breast cancer risk and may raise thromboembolism risk. Decisions should be individualized based on a woman's symptom burden and risk profile.