That is the question for many women approaching menopause. The decision has become more complicated in light of new research that shows that even though estrogen lowers cholesterol, it doesn't necessarily protect coronary arteries. Circulating estrogen has long been touted as protecting the heart from heart disease. It was discovered that adding progesterone can counteract the danger of uterine cancer. Estrogen also increases the risk of breast cancer.
Doctors point out that heart disease kills more women per year than breast cancer.
But if, as scientists now suspect, estrogen does not prevent heart disease, then the benefit-risk ratio changes significantly. This new information creates confusion for women. Research is being carried out all the time on the effects of HRT, so that new findings are reported every few months. Now more than ever, each woman's individual medical history, risks and fears must be considered. Some women can't or don't want to take hormones.