Some study visits will take place at UNC-CH, while others will be at local health departments. After menopause, women's bodies stop producing these hormones, which help protect them from osteoporosis and heart disease.
Cardiovascular disease includes heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for both men and women, killing twice as many women each year as all cancers combined. A Boston study of more than 120,000 U.S. nurses suggested that receiving estrogen after menopause could cut the risk of heart attack in two. The UNC-CH researchers are conducting their study to learn whether women smokers, who are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, could benefit even more from supplemental estrogen. They also hope to learn whether it is more beneficial to receive estrogen by mouth or by skin patch. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute is supporting the four-year project.