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1
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) studies provide critical insights into the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in postmenopausal women.
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2
MHT significantly reduces fracture risk, with combined therapy showing a 24% reduction in total fractures and a 60% decrease in hip fractures with adequate calcium intake.
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3
Timing of MHT initiation is crucial; starting before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause may offer benefits, while delayed initiation increases cardiovascular risks.
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4
Combined estrogen-progestin therapy raises the risk of invasive breast cancer and coronary heart disease, while estrogen-only therapy shows a nonsignificant reduction in breast cancer risk.
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5
WHI findings emphasize the importance of individualized MHT use, tailored to patient characteristics, formulation, and timing to optimize health outcomes.
