A new report studying women who have had hysterectomies has found that using a hormone therapy of just estrogen does not increase heart disease risk in women aged 50 to 59. On the contrary, the  single hormone could actually protect the heart against disease. The new study, published in the most recent edition of The Archives of Internal Medicine, focuses on regimens using only estrogen. Previous studies, which have focused on hormone therapy using both estrogen and progesterone, have shown an increased risk for both heart disease and breast cancer. These new findings will not change current guidelines for hormone therapy in women. Hormones should only be prescribed to women who are experiencing uncomfortable symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. The hormones should definitely not be administered to prevent heart disease.

The new studies apply only to menopausal women who have had hysterectomies, these women are able to receive estrogen alone. Estrogen, unless prescribed with a form of progesterone, can increase the risk for uterine cancer. For more, please click here.