Subjective and objective investigations in the hospital management of the menopause

Summary

The authors review their experience in treating 131 patients attending a hospital menopause clinic. In women with an intact uterus, oestrogen replacement therapy is given on a cyclical basis (3 weeks on, 1 week off) with added progestogen in the third week. The lowest effective dose of oestrogen is used for the shortest possible time, and patients are encouraged to stop therapy after 6 to 9 months. The risks of endometrial carcinoma and vascular disease with long-term hormone replacement therapy are discussed in the light of recent evidence.

Key Words::

• Menopause
• hormone replacement therapy