Long-Term Hormone Therapy Doesn’t Increase Mortality Risk, Large Study Finds

A comprehensive study of nearly 900,000 Danish women has found no evidence of increased mortality risk associated with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). Published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), the research challenges previous concerns about the long-term safety of hormone treatment for menopause.

Study Details and Findings

Researchers analyzed health data from 876,805 women born in Denmark between 1950 and 1977, following them from age 45 until July 31, 2023. Approximately 100,000 of these women had used hormone therapy. The study found no increased risk of death among those who used hormonal treatment compared to those who did not.

Interestingly, the study did identify a benefit for women who had both ovaries removed. In this group, hormone therapy was associated with a nearly 33% reduction in mortality, likely due to the protective effects of estrogen in preventing cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Revisiting Past Concerns

The findings contradict earlier research, notably a 2002 American study, that linked hormone therapy to increased risks of breast cancer and cardiovascular problems. This earlier study, however, has been criticized for including participants who were older and potentially already at higher risk for these conditions. Following the 2002 study, hormone therapy use declined significantly in countries like the United States and France.

Current Recommendations

The study supports current international recommendations from organizations like the Endocrine Society, which suggest hormone therapy can be beneficial for women experiencing moderate to intense symptoms of menopause, provided they have no contraindications such as cardiovascular disorders.

In October 2025, France’s High Authority for Health (HAS) confirmed that most hormone therapies for menopause demonstrate a significant medical benefit, with the exception of Colprone and Livial. This re-evaluation was initiated by the Ministry of Health in June 2024.

Key Takeaways

• Large-scale study finds no increased mortality risk with menopausal hormone therapy.
• Women who have had both ovaries removed may experience a mortality benefit from hormone therapy.
• Findings challenge previous studies that raised concerns about hormone therapy safety.
• Current recommendations support hormone therapy for symptomatic women without contraindications.

This research provides reassuring evidence for women considering hormone therapy to manage menopausal symptoms. Further research will continue to refine our understanding of the benefits and risks of MHT for different patient populations.