[Clinical evaluation of progestogens used in Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)]

Clinical evaluation of progestogens used in Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) Abstract. Primary indication for progestogens in MHT is to avoid estrogen-induced endometrial cancer. Progesteron has the least endometrial efficacy but is used increasingly (together with transdermal estradiol) because it is neutral in vascular and metabolic systems and possibly may have a lower risk of breast cancer. Comparable is dydrogesterone, the retro-isomer of progesterone, but with higher endometrial efficacy. However, also other progestogens (including tibolone) are used to take advantage of the androgenic, anti-androgenic and anti-mineralocorticoid "partial effects". Based on the results of the Women's Health Initiative Study the use of progestogens in MHT can cause an increased risk of breast cancer and coronary artery disease. Using different progestogens this is confirmed in various observational studies, which also suggest an increased progestogen-dependent risk of stroke. Since with every MHT early start can reduce cardiovascular risk or even act preventive, the decisive question remains, if there may be a screening regarding already known mechanisms for hormone-dependent development of breast cancer, at least for patients with increased risk of breast cancer. For this, new own research results are described.