Hormone replacement therapy.
HRT should not be used for the prevention or treatment of chronic disease (eg, heart disease, osteoporosis, dementia). HRT is effective in alleviating moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. Clinicians must be aware of the risks and benefits of HRT and discuss them thoroughly with their patients. As new forms and lower doses of hormones become available, additional studies will be needed to compare therapeutic strategies adequately. Studies of younger perimenopausal and menopausal women are needed. Whatever regimen is chosen, the lowest allowable estrogen dose to relieve symptoms for the shortest time is recommended. Alternatives to hormonal therapy are being examined and some may be considered. Table 1 provides an evidence-based summary of current recommendations.
Dull
Pamela
P
OSU Department of Family Medicine, 1492 East Broad Street, Suite 1302, Columbus, OH 43205, USA. pam.dull@osumc.edu
D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced; D000075202:Contraindications; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012955:Societies, Medical; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health