Hormone replacement therapy. Risks, benefits, and costs.

Epidemiologic evidence on the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women is accumulating. The apparent 50% reduction in risk of cardiovascular mortality could lead to universal HRT. Until a prospective, controlled trial is concluded, women must consider all the consequences of HRT. For the undecided, who would take HRT only to prevent osteoporosis, bone mass estimates might be warranted.