In the 1980s and 90s, doctors prescribed menopausal hormone therapy—also known as hormone replacement therapy—for preventing heart disease in addition to treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. But, findings from the Women's Health Initiative suggest that some forms of menopausal hormone therapy increase a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease rather than prevent it. Talk to your health care provider about your individual benefits versus risks if you are considering menopausal hormone therapy.