Aug 2016: Is there a time limit for systemic menopausal hormone therapy?

Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine


KEY POINTS

• Hormone therapy is the most effective treatment available for the vasomotor symptoms of menopause, and it also is effective and appropriate for preventing osteoporosis-related fracture in at-risk women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
• Oral hormone therapy is associated with a small but statistically significant increase in the risk of stroke and venous thromboembolism and breast cancer risk with combination therapy only.
• Extended hormone therapy may be appropriate to treat vasomotor symptoms or prevent osteoporosis when alternative therapies are not an option.
• The decision whether to continue hormone therapy should be revisited every year. Discussions with patients should include the perspective of absolute risk.