4/17/04

NY Times

By DENISE GRADY

Despite studies in recent years finding that hormone therapy after menopause did women more harm than good, researchers at a group of major medical centers have decided to test the treatment again because they still
suspect it may have benefits, particularly for younger women. The researchers hope to find out whether hormones can protect against artery disease if women start treatment early in menopause.

The scientists also want to find out whether there is any advantage to giving estrogen by a different route, skin patches instead of the usual pills, and changing the schedule of the hormone given along with it, progesterone. The hormones must be taken together because estrogen alone can cause uterine cancer; adding progesterone counters that risk.

The new study is expected to start in September, last five years and include 720 women at eight medical centers around the country. The women will be ages 40 to 55 and in early menopause, defined as six months to no
more than three years past their last menstrual period. They will take estrogen in pill or patch form, or placebos, and those taking estrogen will use a vaginal gel containing progesterone for 10 days a month.