Study suggests hormone replacement therapy during perimenopause may reduce cardiovascular disease risk

What it means

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine suggests that starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during perimenopause—the transition years before menopause—may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and stroke. The benefit appears to depend on timing, with earlier initiation potentially offering greater protection. The New Scientist article reports on this study, highlighting the nuance that HRT is not currently recommended solely for cardiovascular prevention.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is based on a peer-reviewed study in JAMA Internal Medicine, a top-tier medical journal. The New Scientist article is a reputable secondary source that accurately reports the study's findings, though the study itself is observational and cannot prove causation. The authors caution that the results should not change clinical practice without further trials, so the claim is solid but not definitive.

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