HRT increases stroke risk

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is associated with an increased risk of severe stroke. Researchers from the University of Nottingham, UK systematically reviewed the evidence from previous clinical trials, analysing the relationship between stroke and HRT. The team identified 28 trials that included nearly 40,000 women whose average age ranged from 55 - 71 years. The subjects were followed for about 1 to 7 years. It was found that women who received hormone replacement had a 29 per cent higher risk of stroke than those in comparison groups. The severity of stroke increased with hormone replacement therapy, since the frequency of a poor functional outcome, judged as combined death and disability or dependency, was 56 per cent higher in those receiving the therapy. The findings suggest that patients at high risk of stroke, such as those with previous stroke, coronary heart disease, or multiple vascular risk factors should avoid hormone replacement therapy unless there is a strong medical reason in favour of HRT.