South African Menopause Society revised consensus position statement on menopausal hormone therapy, 2014

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Endocrinology
• Women's Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• The South African Menopause Society (SAMS) previously issued a consensus statement on menopausal hormone therapy (HT) in 2007.
• Evolving clinical evidence necessitates periodic review and updates to treatment guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To revise and update the 2007 SAMS consensus position statement on menopausal hormone therapy (HT).
• To incorporate new evidence, expand on clinical benefits, and include alternative treatments for menopausal symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Re-evaluation of existing information from the 2007 statement.
• Inclusion of recent scientific evidence and research findings.
• Appraisal of non-hormonal alternatives, bioidentical hormones, and complementary medicines.

Main Results:

• Recommendations for HT remain largely consistent with the previous statement.
• Expanded discussion on the clinical benefits associated with HT.
• Inclusion of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) for vasomotor symptoms.
• Evaluation of bioidentical hormones and complementary therapies.

Conclusions:

• Commencing HT within the 'therapeutic window of opportunity' optimizes the benefit-to-risk ratio for symptomatic women.
• The revised statement provides updated guidance on menopausal hormone therapy and alternative management strategies.