Hormone Therapy for Postmenopausal Women

This article reviews the benefits and risks of hormone therapy for postmenopausal women, focusing on its efficacy in managing vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and osteoporosis prevention. It discusses findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial, which highlighted increased risks of cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism, and breast cancer with certain hormone therapies. The article also explores alternative nonhormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms and provides clinical recommendations based on patient age, time since menopause onset, and individual risk factors. Guidelines from professional societies are summarized, emphasizing personalized treatment approaches.

This article reviews the benefits and risks of hormone therapy for postmenopausal women, focusing on its efficacy in managing vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and osteoporosis prevention. It discusses findings from the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) trial, which highlighted increased risks of cardiovascular disease, venous thromboembolism, and breast cancer with certain hormone therapies. The article also explores alternative nonhormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms and provides clinical recommendations based on patient age, time since menopause onset, and individual risk factors. Guidelines from professional societies are summarized, emphasizing personalized treatment approaches.