Update on hormone therapy for the management of postmenopausal women
Considering that life expectancy increases in general, women are expected to have a longer postmenopausal period. Up to date, hormone therapy (HT) is the most effective way to relieve menopausal symptoms. It has been well studied and used in clinical practice for over 60 years. Article published in BioScience Trends journal reviews HT for various guidelines, strategies, and evidence. Here are the main findings:
1. Initiating the lowest effective dose of HT close to menopause is more likely to have maximal benefits and the lowest risks;
2. Recent evidence suggests clinical benefits of oral HT formulations in contrast to transdermal or vaginal;
3. Herbal medicines have benefits in alleviating hot flashes, depression, and menopausal symptoms;
4. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture are other complimentory methods that show definite efficacy.