Researchers in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences are currently seeking participants for the Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study (KEEPS), which will further an understanding of the possible beneficial effects on the heart and arteries and/or quality of life in recently menopausal women.

The study will explore whether beginning hormone therapy in women during the menopausal transition (ages 42 to 58) protects against atherosclerosis, the major cause of heart attacks.

This study is supported by the recent release of results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). That study initially suggested that there were few benefits of estrogen on atherosclerosis. The National Institutes of Health halted the study in 2002. Women in WHI were postmenopausal, with a mean age of 63, yet most women begin hormone treatment much younger, at the onset of menopausal symptoms. The newest study reports the results by age. The younger women, those 50 to 59-years-old, who used estrogen showed a beneficial effect on the heart.

"These findings are consistent with estrogen having a beneficial effect if used early, but a negative effect if used late," says Dr. Hugh S. Taylor, principal investigator of the KEEPS trial at Yale. "Estrogen seems to work by limiting the progression of atherosclerotic changes rather than treating established disease. You can't turn back the clock. Estrogen works by preventing disease, but it doesn't work if one goes for years without it. Newly menopausal women can use estrogen for relief of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms without worrying about their heart. Women close to menopause might even see benefits for their heart."

The Yale team is seeking 90 healthy, recently menopausal women ages 42 to 58 for the trial that will study the effects of using pill and skin patch hormone therapy.

Compensation will be provided for participants accepted into the study.

For more information on KEEPS, visit www.keepstudy.org or contact Diane Wall, clinical research nurse coordinator at (203) 785-4739 or diane.wall@yale.edu.

T H I SW E E K ' SS T O R I E S

Noted critic and artist Robert Storr named next dean of School of Art

Two faculty receive prestigious prizes

• Joseph Roach wins Mellon Award for studies on world performance
  
  
• Joseph Schlessinger gets David Prize for work on cancer treatment
  

Brothers' gift to renovate site of their former athletic glory

Yale licenses ovarian cancer test technology to LabCorp

Gallery acquires rare painting by Yale-educated artist

Yale donates important set of books to the British Parliament

ENDOWED PROFESSORSHIPS

• Richard Casten is named D. Allan Bromley Professor
  
  
• Peter Swenson is new Charlotte Marion Saden Professor
  

William Clyde DeVane Medals are awarded to two scientists

Ignorance of world news could imperil the nation, says journalist

Event explored 'Youth and the Future of U.S.-Islamic Relations'

Doll exhibition marks Japanese celebration of 'Girls Day'

Museum hosting talk on Connecticut day trips, annual 'Fiesta Latina'

Chinese Christian art is featured in Institute of Sacred Music exhibit

Study suggests people may learn best on an empty stomach

VaxInnate officials to speak in next event of seminar serie

Volunteers sought for Ob/Gyn's Kronos Early Estrogen Prevention Study

Competition aims to educate campuses nationwide about recycling

Yale Books in Brief

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