Key Points
2
Î Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective
treatment for vasomotor symptoms and other symptoms of the
climacteric.
Î Benefits may exceed risks for the majority of symptomatic
postmenopausal women who are under age 60 or less than
10 years since the onset of menopause.
Î Health care professionals should individualize therapy based on
clinical factors and patient preference.
Î Before initiating MHT, clinicians should screen women for
cardiovascular and breast cancer risk and recommend the most
appropriate therapy depending on risk/benefit considerations.
Î Current evidence does not justify the use of MHT to prevent
coronary heart disease, breast cancer, or dementia.
Î Other options are available for those with vasomotor symptoms
who prefer not to use MHT or who have contraindications because
these patients should not use MHT.
Î Low-dose vaginal estrogen and ospemifene provide effective
therapy for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and vaginal
moisturizers and lubricants are available for those not choosing
hormonal therapy.
Î All postmenopausal women should embrace appropriate lifestyle
measures.
