Question 198 of 433
Does hormone therapy prevent heart disease and dementia?
The short answer
It should not be started for that purpose alone. If you begin it near menopause for symptoms, your heart is unlikely to be harmed and may be helped.
This is the “timing hypothesis.” Estrogen seems to keep healthy arteries healthy but may destabilize plaque that is already there. So age and artery health at the time of starting matter. For the brain, the evidence is mixed and does not support taking hormones solely to prevent dementia.
For a fuller discussion, Dr. Kelly Casperson’s The Menopause Moment and Dr. Vonda Wright’s Unbreakable are both good.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
NOT AN INDICATION — Systemic hormone therapy is not prescribed solely to prevent cardiovascular disease or dementia.Evidence grade (draft mapping)FNot demonstrated / insufficientPart 14, Q198 · Sources: R5
Sources cited
- R5 Manson JE et al. Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Long-term All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality: The Women’s Health Initiative Randomized Trials. JAMA. 2017;318:927–938. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.11217. PubMed 28898378DOI 10.1001/jama.2017.11217✓ Verified
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.