Menopausal hormone therapy

Abstract

Menopause is associated with physical changes secondary to the loss of estrogen, including hot flushes, vaginal dryness, and bone demineralization that may have a profound impact on a woman's quality of life. With the aging population, management of climacteric symptoms will become routine in gynecologic practice. The purpose of this chapter is to review the physiology ofperimen- opause, to discuss the appropriate use of hormonal therapy for management of menopausal symptoms, to discuss other benefits afforded from hormonal replacement therapy (HRT), and to discuss considerations for special populations when using hormonal therapy.