New evidence published this month in the Cochrane Library shows that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does not protect post-menopausal women against cardiovascular disease, and may even cause an increased risk of stroke.

HRT, now more commonly known as hormone therapy, is widely used for controlling menopausal symptoms. It has also been used for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women. This latest evidence looked at the effects of using hormone therapy for at least six months and involved more than 40,000 women across the world. The length of time women were on HRT varied across the trials from seven months to just over 10 years.

Overall, the results showed no evidence that hormone therapy provides any protective effects against death from any cause, and specifically death from cardiovascular disease, non-fatal heart attacks or angina, either in healthy women or women with pre-existing heart disease. Instead the findings showed a small increased risk of stroke for post-menopausal women.

This latest review attracted global media attention, including local interest here in Australia. Martha Hickey, Head of the Menopause Unit at Melbourne's Royal Women's Hospital, wrote the editorial on the HRT review and appeared on the ABC News to discuss the key findings. You can watch the clip online and read more about the review in detail below.

> Martha Hickey discusses HRT Review on ABC News
> Full review: Hormone therapy for preventing cardiovascular disease in post-menopausal women
> HRT media release
> HRT editorial