title: [Summary of the Dutch College of General Practitioners practice guideline 'The menopause'].
abstract: In the Dutch College of General Practitioners' practice guideline 'The menopause', the menopause is viewed as a physiological phase of life with its associated discomforts, which sometimes require treatment. The GP should inform women with menopausal symptoms about the extent to which oestrogens can diminish vasomotor symptoms and about the benefits and risks of hormonal therapy on various organ systems. Oestrogens can be used when vasomotor symptoms cause serious limitations in daily life. First choice is a sequential combination of oestrogen and progestagen hormones, in which progestagens are given at least ten days per month. When urogenital complaints need to be treated, vaginally applied oestrogens can be prescribed. Depressive symptoms, fatigue, myalgia or arthralgia should not be treated with hormonal therapy. Nor are oestrogens recommended for the prevention of osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap, afd. Richtlijnontwikkeling en Wetenschapsbeleid, Domus Medica, Postbus 3231, 3502 GE Utrecht.
authors.forename: F S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Boukes
authors.forename: F P M J
authors.initials: FP
authors.lastname: Groeneveld
authors.forename: W J J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Assendelft
mesh_terms: D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause / Q000502:physiology*; D014666:Vasomotor System / Q000187:drug effects*