title: [In Process Citation].
abstract: The publication of the first report of the Women's Health Inititiave in 2002, which evaluated the efficacy and the risks of substitution of postmenopausal women with estrogens and gestagens, has exerted a profound negative impact on the utilization of hormonal treatment. On the one hand, the WHI-studies have left both the medical community and the patients community in a state of anxiety and uncertainty, on the other has an entire set of differentiated and clarifying post hoc analyses contributed to re-define the role and the safety of hormonal treatment of menopausal women and the preventive effect on osteoporotic fractures has remained uncontested. As a result, new protocols based on lower dosages with new combinations of endocrine products allow for an early start of hormonal substitution in menopause within the so-called "window of opportunity" thereby not only ameliorating the climacteric symptoms but also preventing the early onset of cardiovascular disease. In addition, the risk of invasive breast cancer can now be better quantified, whereas participation in a mammographic screening programme helps to improve the safety of the treatment.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin, Universitätsspital Basel.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Geyter
authors.affiliation: Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Reproduktionsmedizin der Universität Bern (Prof. emeritus).
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Birkhäuser