Menopausal hormone therapy and cardiovascular risk. Where are we now?

Menopausal hormone therapy and cardiovascular risk. Where are we now? Curr Vasc Pharmacol. 2018 Jul 08;: Authors: Anagnostis P, Paschou SA, Katsiki N, Krikidis D, Lambrinoudaki I, Goulis DG Abstract Transition to menopause is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, mainly attributed to lipid and glucose metabolism dysregulation, as well as to body fat redistribution, leading to abdominal obesity. Indeed, epidemiological evidence suggests that both early menopause (EM, defined as age at menopause <45 years) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI, defined as age at menopause <40 years) are associated with 1.5-2-fold increase in CVD risk. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) exerts a favorable effect on CVD risk factors (with subtle differences regarding estrogen dose, route of administration, monotherapy or combination with progestogen and type of progestogen). Concerning CVD morbidity and mortality, most studies have shown a beneficial effect of MHT in women at early menopausal age [<10 years since the final menstrual period (FMP)] or younger than 60 years. MHT is strongly recommended in women with EM and POI, as these women, if left untreated, are at risk of CVD, osteoporosis, dementia, depression and premature death. MHT has also a favourable benefit/risk profile in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women, provided that the patient is not at a high CVD risk (as assessed by 10-year calculation t...
Source: Current Vascular Pharmacology - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: Curr Vasc Pharmacol Source Type: research