Recommendations on Use of Hormone Replacement Therapy

The North American Menopause Society has developed clinical recommendations regarding the use of postmenopausal hormone therapy. The following are some of the basic recommendations in the report, which is available online at www.menopause.org:

? Treatment of menopause symptoms is the primary indication for estrogen-progestogen therapy (EPT) and estrogen therapy (ET).

? The only menopause-related indication for chronic progestogen use is endometrial protection from unopposed estrogen therapy.

? EPT should not be used for the primary or secondary prevention of coronary heart disease.

? Although EPT and ET products are FDA-approved for the prevention of osteoporosis, other alternatives should also be considered, weighing the risks and benefits of each.

? EPT and ET should be used for the shortest duration consistent with individual treatment goals, benefits, and risks.

? Lower-than-standard EPT and ET doses should be considered.

? An individual risk profile should be developed for every woman considering EPT or ET therapy.