Estrogen-Only Menopause Therapy Linked to Slightly Higher Autoimmune Disease Risk

A retrospective study of more than 100,000 women compared types of hormone therapy used for menopause.

It found a slightly higher incidence of autoimmune disease among women taking estrogen alone than among those taking estrogen with progestogen.

Menopausal hormone therapy uses hormones to treat symptoms around menopause.

The study found an association, not proof that the therapy caused disease.

The difference may matter when weighing treatment options, but the study details provided do not establish what choice is best for any individual.

No next steps are stated.