Current issues in hormone replacement therapy.
Initially used to treat the vasomotor and vaginal symptoms of menopause, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) appeared to have many unexpected beneficial effects in early observational trials. It was hailed as a deterrent of atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer disease. While its salutary effects on bone mass were substantiated, randomized clinical trials noted an increased risk of breast cancer, coronary artery disease, and thromboembolism, and raised doubts about the efficacy of HRT in improving quality of life. This article summarizes the literature and discusses current recommendations on the use of HRT.
Timins
Julie K
JK
D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000209:etiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000517:prevention & control; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors