New developments in postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy

In this review we summarize background data that have steadily accumulated to help explain the beneficial actions of oestrogen replacement treatment on cardiovascular disease. The range of beneficial actions on the cardiovascular system is extraordinary, and goes far beyond the widely acknowledged effects on lipoprotein action. We also review recent reports on the beneficial actions of oestrogen treatment on Alzheimer's disease and colorectal cancer. The emphasis throughout is on understanding the mechanisms of benefit.