Abstract:The writer claims that a previous article had confused the relationship of early menopause to premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and with results of a normal menopause or with the effects of hormo...The writer claims that a previous article had confused the relationship of early menopause to premature coronary heart disease (CHD) and with results of a normal menopause or with the effects of hormone replacement therapy given after a normal menopause. The evidence that a premature menopause can lead to premature CHD is stronger than implied. Premature cessation of ovarian function does not lead solely to withdrawal of estrogenic and progestational hormones but has sudden and profound effects on androsterone, adrenal and pituitary functions, and on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. A Swedish study showed that 76% of women with myocardial infarction had their menopause before age 50 compared to 40% of others. Artificial delay of the menopause by estrogenic compounds is considered unlikely to prevent CHD but may increase the risk.Read More