open access: Decade After WHI Experts Agree

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 Received May 31, 2012; accepted May 31, 2012

"This year marks the 10th anniversary of the 2002 presentation of
the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) hormone trials.
Amidst the debate that ensued, the one consistent theme was that ‘‘even
the experts don't agree.’’ Much has been learned and is still being unraveled regarding the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy from previous and ongoing studies. In response to the many women and clinicians seeking answers, our goal is to reassure both symptomatic women and their providers that experts do indeed agree on key points regarding the safety and role of hormone therapy in menopause
management based on the scientific evidence of the last 10 years. We believe that women deserve to know the facts that can inform their decision to use or not to use hormone therapy.

OVERVIEW
Systemic hormone therapy is an acceptable option for relatively young
(up to age 59 or within 10 years of menopause) and healthy women who are bothered by moderate to severe menopausal symptoms. Individualization is key in the decision to use hormone therapy. Consideration should be given to the woman's quality-of-life priorities
as well as her personal risk factors such as age, time since menopause,
and her risk of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer......