WHI study
Pronunciation: W-H-I
Also written as: WHI — Women's Health Initiative
Large women's health study that revealed cardiovascular risks of hormone replacement therapy.
Full Definition
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was a major long-term national health study that investigated the health effects of postmenopausal hormone therapy, dietary modification, and calcium/vitamin D supplementation in women. The hormone therapy trials, published in 2002, unexpectedly showed increased risks of stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer with combined estrogen-progestin therapy, contradicting previous observational studies that suggested cardiovascular protection. WHI fundamentally changed cardiovascular prevention strategies in postmenopausal women and highlighted the importance of randomized controlled trials over observational evidence.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize all letters; refers to the complete research program, not just hormone trials
In Context
- "The WHI study findings dramatically reduced hormone replacement therapy use for cardiovascular prevention." — Women's health review article
- "Post-WHI study analyses have refined understanding of hormone therapy risks and benefits by age and timing." — Endocrinology research paper