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Estrogen Timing Hypothesis

Meaning

The Estrogen Timing Hypothesis is a critical clinical concept asserting that the efficacy and safety profile of menopausal hormone therapy are profoundly dependent on the age of the woman and the duration of time elapsed since her final menstrual period. This hypothesis suggests that initiating estrogen therapy earlier in the perimenopausal or early postmenopausal phase, known as the “window of opportunity,” confers greater cardiovascular and neurological protection. Conversely, delaying therapy for many years post-menopause may increase certain health risks due to pre-existing subclinical vascular pathology.