Stroke Risk Fades After Estrogen Halted

The higher risk of strokes and blood clots for women who take estrogen after menopause appears to fade after they quit taking it, a study finds. The new study is a follow-up to the landmark Women’s Health Initiative study. Part of that study compared women taking estrogen to those taking a placebo. It was halted in 2004 after stroke risks were seen in the estrogen group. The new study looked at long-term results for 10,739 women. On average, they took estrogen for about 6 years. About 4 years after they stopped, their higher risk of strokes and blood clots had disappeared. Results were best for women who started taking estrogen in their 50s. The study strengthens doctors’ current advice to women with menopause symptoms. Most recommend taking hormones in the smallest effective dose for the shortest possible time.