The Women's Health Initiative (WHI)

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) is a major research program launched in 1991 to address health issues affecting postmenopausal women. It aimed to determine the effects of hormone therapy, diet, and lifestyle on women's health, particularly regarding heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis. The WHI involved tens of thousands of participants and generated important insights that have influenced guidelines and practices in women's healthcare. Its findings have helped shape understanding of hormone treatments, dietary recommendations, and preventive measures for various health conditions in women, significantly impacting health strategies and education.