Menopausal hormone therapy: Benefits and different forms

Abstract

Introduction. Declining of ovarian hormone production can seriously disturb the quality of woman?s life, with physical and emotional consequences and to potentiate the development of additional health risks such as cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis which are already present in women of older age. Benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy ameliorates the quality of life by resolving the atrophic symptoms and vasomotor problems, protecting from the osteoporosis, maintaining the skin and connective tissue turgor, as well as by improving libido, mood and depression during the menopausal transition. Forms of Menopausal Hormone Therapy. There are several possibilities to treat menopausal problems: estrogen, combination of estrogen and progestogen, androgens, selective estrogen receptor modulators, tissue selective estrogen complex, tibolon and alternatives. Initiating, Monitoring and Discontinuing Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Menopausal hormone therapy should be started when the problems due to menopausal symptoms appear. It is important to have on mind that the effects of hormones depend on age and actual condition of the woman?s organism. The goal is effective treatment at the lowest dose and during the shortest interval needed for symptom control. The therapy must be reevaluated every year and potential risks must be discussed as well. Conclusion. Menopausal hormone therapy ameliorates the quality of woman?s life in perimenopause. Type, doses and duration of the menopausal hormone therapy should be individualized.