By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online. HRT Implicated in Stroke Risk (April 30, 2008) - Postmenopausal (Read about "Menopause") women taking hormone therapy appear to have an increased risk of stroke (Read about "Stroke") regardless of when they started treatment, according to a report in the Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. "Many controversies remain regarding the risks and benefits of postmenopausal hormone therapy," according to background information in the article. There have been previous studies analyzing the risk of stroke with use of hormone therapy, but these did not determine stroke risk for younger women taking hormone therapy near the onset of menopause. Researchers evaluated the stroke risk associated with hormone therapy in 121,700 women (age 30 to 55 at the beginning of the study) who participated in the Nurses' Health Study from 1976 to 2004. There were 360 cases of stroke among women who had never used hormones and 414 cases of stroke among women who were currently using hormones. Compared to women who had never used hormones, women currently taking hormone therapy had an increased risk for stroke (39 percent for those taking estrogen and 27 percent for those taking estrogen with progestin). "This increased risk was observed for women initiating hormone therapy at young ages or near menopause and at older ages or more than 10 years after menopause," the authors write. Taking hormone therapy for less than five years at younger ages was not linked to a clear increase in stroke, possibly due to the small number of cases. Note: Statements and conclusions of study authors that are published here are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect this hospital's policy or position. This hospital makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. All Concept Communications material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns. © Concept Communications Media Group LLC Online health topics reviewed/modified in 2008 | Terms of Use/Privacy Policy By printing and/or reading this article, you agree that you accept all terms and conditions of use, as specified online.