OR YEARS, THERE HAS BEEN CONcern about possible associations of gynecologic malignancies with postmenopausal hormone therapy. The development of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer with unopposed estrogen is well recognized. To reduce or avoid this complication, progestin has been added, 1-3 although results from randomized trials are extremely limited. These concerns have created a need for reasonable monitoring guidelines to follow-up women who experience vaginal bleeding while taking estrogen plus progestin. The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) trial of estrogen plus progestin provides the first opportunity to examine possible associations of gynecologic malignancies with continuous combined postmenopausal hormone therapy in a large, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled setting. The trial was stopped early at the recommendation of the independent data and safety monitoring board on the basis of an increased risk of breast cancer supported by a summary measure of effects indicating risks exceeded

Statin use did not improve fracture risk or bone density in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study. The cumulative evidence does not warrant use of statins to prevent or treat osteoporosis.

Background: In separate Women's Health Initiative randomized trials, combined hormone therapy with estrogen plus progestin reduced colorectal cancer incidence but estrogen alone in women with hysterectomy did not. We now analyze features of the colorectal cancers that developed and examine the survival of women following colorectal cancer diagnosis in the latter trial. Participants and Methods: 10,739 postmenopausal women who were 50 to 79 years of age and had undergone hysterectomy were randomized to conjugated equine estrogens (0.625 mg/d) or matching placebo. Colorectal cancer incidence was a component of the monitoring global index of the study but was not a primary study endpoint. Colorectal cancers were verified by central medical record and pathology report review. Bowel exam frequency was not protocol defined, but information on their use was collected.

Supracervical and total abdominal hysterectomy result in similar sexual functioning and health-related quality of life during 2 years of follow-up. This information can help guide physicians as they discuss surgical options with their patients.