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CHICAGO — Taking hormone pills for several years after menopause didn’t shorten older women’s lifespans, according to the longest follow-up yet of landmark research that transformed thinking on risks and benefits of a once popular treatment.
That research was halted early when unexpected harms were found from using replacement hormones — estrogen alone or with progestin — versus dummy pills for five to seven years. More breast cancer, heart attacks and strokes occurred in women on combined pills, and those on estrogen pills had more strokes.
But about 18 years of follow-up show that despite those risks, women had similar rates of deaths from heart disease, breast cancer and all other causes as those who took dummy pills.
The new results are reassuring and support current advice: Hormones may be appropriate for some women when used short-term to relieve hot flashes and other bothersome menopause symptoms, said Dr. JoAnn Manson, preventive medicine chief at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital and lead author of the follow-up report.
“It’s the ultimate bottom line,” said Manson, who was also part of the original research. Women want to know “is this medication going to kill me” and the answer appears to be no, she said.
Results were published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Hormones were once considered a fountain of youth for women entering menopause because of weak evidence suggesting a host of purported benefits including reducing heart disease and boosting memory. The landmark research, backed by the U.S. government, began in the early 1990s to rigorously test hormones’ effects in older women randomly assigned to take the pills or dummy treatment. Brands studied were Prempro estrogen-progestin pills and Premarin estrogen-only pills.
The results led to advice against taking hormones to prevent age-related diseases. When used for menopause symptoms, the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible time was recommended, then as now. For some women already facing health risks, hormones’ potential harms may outweigh any benefits, and discussions with a doctor about starting the treatment are advised.
Participants were aged 50 to 79 and past menopause, older than typical users, and took larger doses than currently recommended.
The follow-up involved most of the more than 27,000 women who were part of the original research. It included time using pills and about 10 or so years after stopping. Some earlier follow-ups suggested no increased risk of death in hormone users, but Manson said this is the first to focus only on deaths from various causes.
Overall, almost 7,500 women died — about 27 percent each in the hormone and dummy pill groups. Most deaths occurred after women stopped taking hormones. About 9 percent of women in both groups died from heart disease and about 8 percent from breast and other cancers.
Among the youngest women, there were fewer overall deaths early on among hormone users than dummy-pill users, but the rates evened out after women stopped using the pills.
Overall, death rates were similar among women on both types of hormone treatment versus dummy pills.
Prempro and Premarin are both approved to treat menopause symptoms and to prevent bone-thinning osteoporosis. Even so, many women and their doctors remain wary of hormone use. An editorial published with the follow-up study says the results “will hopefully alleviate concerns” about the long-term consequences.
More research is needed on risks and benefits of other types of hormones including patches, Manson said.

Charles Williams Sr., 74, a resident of Patterson, La., passed away Saturday September 9, 2017 at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center at 11:45 p.m.
Visitation will be observed on Friday, September 15, 2017 at the Bayou Vista Community Family Fellowship Church, 1523 Anthony St., Bayou Vista, La., from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 11 a.m. Burial will follow funeral services in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Memories of Charles will forever remain in the hearts of his six sons, Bishop Belva Webb (Faith), Tony Webb, Charles Webb, Jr., Christopher Webb (April) all of Patterson, Kurwin Webb (Natarsha) of Berwick, La. and Willie Webb (Cachet) of Carencro, La.; five daughters, Mrs. Milton (Spornia) Span and Mearyl Simien both of Patterson, La., Lenora Webb and Joycelyn Webb both of Morgan, La., and Rochella Williams of Alexandria, La; one sister, Lillie Williams-Ruffin of Morgan City, L; three brothers, Rev. Ivory (Debra) Williams, Clarence (Louise) Williams of Franklin, La. and Anthony Williams Morgan City, La. and a host of grandchildren, great-children and other relatives and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, two sons, three grandchildren, his parents, two brothers, one sister.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.

St. Mary Parish Sheriff Mark Hebert reported the following arrests:
Casey Gros Jr., 23, of 1306 Lake Palourde Road, Amelia, was arrested Tuesday at 9:34 p.m. on the charge of aggravated assault. A deputy responded to a call for service regarding an assault with a weapon at a business on the frontage road in Amelia. The deputy assigned to the case collected evidence that Gros waved a knife at a male subject while yelling at him. Gros was located at his residence. Following the investigation, Gros was transported to St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
Jeremy Watson, 30, of 2205 Maple St., Morgan City, was arrested Tuesday at 6:34 p.m. on charges of failure to signal a turn 100 feet prior to an intersection, improper lane usage, obstruction of justice, possession of Schedule I marijuana, possession of Schedule II hydrocodone, possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of a controlled dangerous substance law drug free zone.
Narcotics detectives patrolling Bayou Vista observed a vehicle fail to properly signal a turn and cross over the fog line on La. 182 near Mercury Road. Detectives conducted a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, identified as Watson, detectives smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Detectives received consent to search Watson and the car. They located marijuana, a hydrocodone pill and burnt marijuana cigarettes. Detectives also found a pipe used to smoke marijuana that Watson attempted to hide on his person during the traffic stop. Watson was transported to the St. Mary parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Tonya Clements, 31, of 317 Gilbeau Road, Apt. 106J, Lafayette, was arrested Tuesday at 7:36 p.m. on charges of no tail lights, operation of a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license, possession of Schedule IV clonazepam with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule II Adderall with intent to distribute and distribution of Schedule II Adderall.
Emilie Elkins, 25, of 317 Gilbeau Road, Apt. 106 J, Lafayette, was arrested Tuesday at 7:36 p.m. on the charge of possession of Schedule IV clonazepam.
Narcotics detectives patrolling Baldwin observed a vehicle on Bollard Street that had two brake lights that were not working. Detectives conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, Clements, and passenger, Elkins. While speaking with the two subjects, detectives developed information that there were illegal drugs inside the pick-up truck. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and located 20 clonazepam pills hidden in the console area and prescription bottles containing Adderall, as well as an empty prescription bottle of Adderall. Through further investigation, detectives found evidence that Clements had distributed some of the Adderall pills. Clements and Elkins were transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Donna Reed, 46, of 1900 Saturn Street, Bayou Vista, was arrested Wednesday at 8:17 a.m. on the charge of disturbing the peace excessive noise.
A deputy conducted an investigation into complaints received over the last several days about a subject causing a disturbance at the intersection of Teche and Saturn Roads in Bayou Vista. The deputy found that Reed was yelling and making offensive hand gestures at passing vehicles causing a disturbance in the neighborhood on several occasions. Reed was released on a summons.
Janice Thomas, 63, of 1515 Saturn Road, Bayou Vista, was arrested Wednesday at 4:18 p.m. on charges of theft of goods and disturbing the peace intoxicated.
A deputy responded to a report of shoplifting at a store in Bayou Vista. The deputy collected evidence from store security personnel that Thomas took the tags off items and attempted to leave the store without paying for the merchandise. The deputy noted that Thomas also appeared to be intoxicated. Because Thomas was unable to drive due to her intoxicated state or locate a ride home, the deputy transported her to her residence. Thomas was released on a summons.
Travis Davis, 45, of 1134 Martin Luther King Road, Charenton, was arrested Wednesday at 8:18 p.m. on the charge of operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.
A deputy stopped a vehicle after observing that the driver did not stop at a stop sign on Martin Luther King Road. The deputy spoke with the driver, Davis, and found that his license was suspended. Davis was released on a summons.
Blake Stevens, 30, of 115 Domingue St. Lot 3, Jeanerette, was arrested Wednesday at 11:09 p.m. on charges of possession of Schedule I synthetic cannabinoids, abuse of toxic vapors, possession of Schedule II Vyvanse and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A deputy investigating a complaint of a reckless driver on US 90 in Jeanerette located the suspect’s vehicle at a gas station in the area and spoke with Stevens who was driving the vehicle. During the traffic stop, the Chitimacha Tribal Police Department K-9 team arrived on scene. The Chitimacha K-9 officer conducted a sweep of the vehicle and indicated the presence of illegal drugs. The deputy searched the car and found bags of synthetic marijuana and cigar wraps. A deputy searching Stevens located several Vyvanse pills in his pants pocket. Stevens was unable to provide a prescription for the pills. Following the investigation, Stevens was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Dawn Pruitt, 43, of 115 Poncio St., Morgan City, was arrested Thursday at 12:17 a.m. on a warrant for failure to appear on the charges of possession of cocaine, prostitution and possession of drug paraphernalia. A deputy made a traffic stop on a vehicle after the driver failed to signal a turn onto La. 182 in Amelia. The deputy spoke with the driver, Pruitt, and located the active warrant for her arrest. Pruitt was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Brian Delaune, 32, of 203 La. 182, Morgan City, was arrested Wednesday at 6:47 p.m. on charges of possession of Schedule IV alprazolam with intent to distribute, possession of Schedule III Subutex with intent to distribute, violation of a controlled dangerous substance law drug free zone, illegal possession of stolen things—three counts and possession of Schedule II methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
Narcotics Section detectives investigated a tip they received about a subject selling illegal drugs in Morgan City. Detectives located Delaune near a business on La. 70. Detectives were speaking with Delaune when he handed them a bag containing pills and methamphetamine. Detectives also learned that Delaune was in possession of items stolen from a store in Bayou Vista. Detectives received consent to search Delaune, his belongings, and his residence. Detectives found three items suspected of being stolen. The initial investigation took place within 2,000 feet of a school. Delaune was transported to the St. Mary Parish Law Enforcement Center for booking. No bail is set.
Franklin Police Chief Sabria McGuire reported the following arrests:
Aric Small, 27, of Second Street, Franklin, was arrested Wednesday at 8:54 a.m. on a warrant for Probation and Parole for the charge of probation violation. Small was booked, processed, and released to La. Probation and Parole.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — He was an Elvis Presley-loving sailor who spun records for the U.S. Navy radio station on the Caribbean base where he was stationed. She was a local woman whose brother worked at the base.
More than a half century after the brother introduced Jennifer Meyerink and Stephen Walbert, the long-separated couple’s love was finally sealed in Rochester, where they were married Monday in the hospital where Walbert has been undergoing treatment for leukemia.
“That eternal flame turned into a bonfire, and it’s still roaring today,” the 73-year-old Walbert said as relatives and staff at Rochester General Hospital crammed into his room to view the marriage ceremony officiated by the city clerk.
In a nod to Elvis, Walbert wore a black sequined outfit, a purple scarf and aviator sunglasses. The bride wore a black dress and purple hat.
Walbert, a Chicago native, was stationed in 1965 in Trinidad and Tobago, where he worked nights as a disc jockey for the base’s radio station. The two fell in love, but Walbert was transferred back to the states. He gave his dog tags to Meyerink, telling her, “Darling, I’ll be back one day for this.”
But he never returned to the island nation. The two lost touch, and each got married and started their own families — Meyerink in Ontario, Canada, and Walbert in Wisconsin. After Meyerink’s spouse died, her sister used Facebook to find Walbert, by then a widower and living in Waupaca, in central Wisconsin.
The two began corresponding via email, and reunited in 2015. Walbert moved to Canada in March 2016.
“I never stopped loving him. I realized that,” the 72-year-old Meyerink said.
In October, Walbert was diagnosed with a form of leukemia. He decided to seek treatment in Rochester, where his son lives. Later this week, Walbert and his family will decide whether to continue his treatment at the hospital or choose hospice care.
“I haven’t given up hope on myself yet,” said Walbert, the dog tags Meyerink had saved for 50-plus years hanging from his neck. “I never will. But I have her back. And that gives me all the strength I need to get through the rest of my life.”