hormone-replacement trials halted
by Angela Spivey

NC-Chapel Hill is one of 40 research centers that recently halted a trial of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) in healthy postmenopausal women after preliminary results showed the risks outweighed the benefits. Five years of data collection from more than 16,000 women who had not had hysterectomies showed that the treatment slightly increased the risk of breast cancer and provided no benefit in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

The results contradict the belief that taking HRT for long periods is beneficial for all postmenopausal women. "The bottom line is that estrogen plus progestin is not a viable option to prevent chronic disease," says Gerardo Heiss, professor of epidemiology. These results do not address, however, the effectiveness or safety of this particular combination of hormones (or other combinations) when used for short periods of time to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Heiss says that women should talk to their doctors to determine whether they should continue with HRT, especially if they've been on it for more than two years.

A second trial of estrogen alone in 11,000 women who have had hysterectomies continues unchanged. Both trials are part of a larger study known as the Women's Health Initiative.

Heiss is a member of the Women's Health Initiative Steering Committee. Other Carolina researchers involved are Ellen Wells, assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology, David Ontjes, professor of medicine, Carla Sueta, associate professor of medicine, Kathy Light, professor of psychiatry, Pamela Haines, associate professor of nutrition, Etta Pisano, associate professor of radiology, and Barbara Hulka, professor emeritus of epidemiology.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute sponsors the Women's Health Initiative. A paper describing the findings in detail appeared in the July 17 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Angela Spivey is the associate editor of Endeavors magazine.
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