Estrogen replacement therapy and gallbladder disease in postmenopausal women

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of estrogen replacement therapy on the development of gallbladder disease in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Systematic review of the English literature was conducted. All studies that addressed the association between hormone replacement therapy and gallbladder disease published from 1970 to the present were reviewed. RESULTS: Seven observational studies, two clinical trials, two case series, and one nonrandomized and three randomized investigations were reviewed. The results of each study were reported and analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women increased the chances for gallstone formation.