New study explores long-term heart health effects of hormone therapy

As a result, more research is focusing on the long-term effects of hormone therapy. A new study suggests certain estrogen-based hormone therapies have favorable long-term effects on the risk of heart disease. Hormone therapy has been the subject of intense debate for more than 20 years since the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) became public. A new study based on data from the WHI suggests that, with regard to heart health, extended use of certain hormone therapies might actually be beneficial. "For many years women and health care professionals shied away from hormone therapy for fear of the potential adverse health effects," says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for The Menopause Society.