An Update on Menopause Management

Menopause-related symptoms frequently lead women to seek health care. Recommendations for prescribing hormone therapy have changed significantly since the publication of initial results from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002. The North American Menopause Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have newer guidelines based on long-term analyses of the WHI participants as well as emerging data from other clinical trials. Women with an intact uterus who are using systemic estrogen must also use a progestogen; however, there are 2 new selective estrogen receptor modulators on the market for use without a progestogen. This review discusses current recommendations and new medications as well as the risks and benefits related to hormone therapy. Evidence-based alternatives to hormone therapy to treat symptoms of menopause are also presented.