Impact of New Hormone Replacement Therapy After Menopause on Heart Health in Women

This prospective registry study investigates the impact of new hormone replacement therapy (HRT) delivery methods, such as creams, gels, and sprays, on cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women. Menopause-related estrogen deficiency leads to metabolic and vascular changes that increase atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. This study hypothesizes that new HRT forms may reduce cardiovascular risk in high-risk women."

Detailed Description: This prospective, longitudinal registry study will enroll peri- and postmenopausal women aged 45-75 years with cardiovascular disease, peripheral or cerebrovascular disease, a SCORE2 \>5%, evidence of coronary artery disease progression, and who are receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Age-matched postmenopausal women not receiving HRT will serve as controls. Participants will be recruited from outpatient gynecology, cardiology and endocrinology clinics and followed for 10 years, with pseudonymized data collected on clinical events, cardiovascular and menopausal risk factors, lifestyle, lab values, and HRT details. Blood samples will be collected during routine care with additional tubes for hormone and inflammatory marker analyses, and biobanking for up to 10 years. Follow-up visits will occur at 6 months and 1 year, with re-evaluation of clinical events, risk factors, menopausal symptoms, and HRT. Asymptomatic participants will not undergo additional testing.