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Wyeth Pharmaceuticals study finds no oestrogen heart disease link

Date published: 15/02/2006

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has published a report that reveals there is no increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) with oestrogen. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study found conjugated oestrogen therapy did not increase the risk of CHD in women aged 50 to 79 after an average of 7.1 years.

Furthermore, the researchers concluded among women between 50 and 59 there was a suggestion of lower CHD risk with conjugated oestrogens. Dr Lila Nachtigall, of the New York University School of Medicine, said: "This new information is important for many women taking or considering postmenopausal oestrogen therapy to relieve the symptoms of menopause and/or to prevent osteoporosis.

"These findings, coupled with other recent data, support the emerging belief that the age of the woman and time since menopause should be considered when assessing the overall benefit and risk of hormone therapy." Oestrogen-alone therapy is often used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis in women following a total hysterectomy. Abrupt changes in hormone levels following this surgery can cause a woman to experience a sudden transition into menopause, instead of over a few years.

Dr Ginger Constantine, of Wyeth, said: "This new information may be reassuring to millions of women who currently take, or are appropriate candidates for, oestrogen-alone therapy." She added: "It is important to note that oestrogen therapy, with or without a progestin, should not be used for the prevention of coronary heart disease."

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