Current trends in hormone replacement therapy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Gerontology
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Increasing lifespan leads to more women experiencing long-term menopause consequences.
• Menopause and climacteric significantly impact women's well-being, causing vasomotor, psychological, and sexual symptoms.
• There is an increased risk of osteoporosis and atherosclerosis post-menopause.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term benefits of post-menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
• To assess HRT's role in preventing osteoporosis and reducing cardiovascular risks.
• To review available estrogen preparations and their administration routes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing evidence on hormone replacement therapy efficacy and safety.
• Analysis of data comparing coronary artery disease rates in HRT users versus non-users.
• Examination of fracture risk reduction associated with estrogen replacement therapy.

Main Results:

• Post-menopausal women on HRT have approximately half the rate of coronary artery disease.
• Estrogen replacement for 5 years reduces overall fracture risk by 50%, aiding osteoporosis management.
• HRT demonstrably improves quality of life and reduces morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:

• HRT effectively reverses metabolic and pathological changes induced by menopause.
• The benefits of HRT in improving health outcomes and quality of life are substantial.
• Evidence suggests HRT benefits outweigh potential risks like venous thromboembolism or certain cancers.