Current attitudes to hormone replacement therapy

Abstract

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to confer a number of important benefits postmenopausally and also premenopausally for women with ovarian failure and those who have undergone hysterectomy. In addition to preventing climacteric symptoms, HRT produces dose-related increases in bone density thus providing protection from osteoporosis, and confers cardioprotection via a number of mechanisms including vasodilatation of blood vessels, inhibition of atheromas and improvement in insulin resistance.

Currently, HRT is seriously under-used, and a large number of women are missing the important benefits associated with its use. In addition, many physicians remain unaware that HRT can still be of benefit when started later in life. Even after the age of 60, HRT will produce significant benefits in terms of bone density and cardioprotection.

A number of different HRT formulations and routes of administration are available, and these offer specific advantages. HRT should be seriously considered for all women with either natural or premature ovarian failure, but the benefits and potential risks must be considered on an individual basis together with the woman's own attitude to treatment.

Key Words:

• HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
• BREAST CANCER
• MENOPAUSE