Effects of hormone replacement therapy on the endometrium and lipid parameters: A review of randomized clinical trials, 1985 to 1995

The association between unopposed estrogen replacement therapy and endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in nonhysterectomized postmenopausal women is well known, and studies have suggested that the addition of progestin to the regimen reduces the risk of hyperplasia and cancer. The effect of estrogen plus progestin hormone replacement therapy on the lipid profile has also been extensively studied. To determine the extent of the effects of hormone replacement therapy on the endometrium and lipid parameters and to provide an overview of these studies, we reviewed 10 years of English language publications. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1998;178:1087-99.)