Menopausal symptom management in women with cardiovascular disease or vascular risk factors

Women with preexisting cardiovascular disease (CVD) or vascular risk factors commonly experience bothersome symptoms of menopause, including vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Due to confusion surrounding the safety of menopausal hormone therapy (HT) in symptomatic women with CVD, evidence-based guidelines should be followed regarding identifying candidates for treatment and HT decision making. This review summarizes best practices in the evaluation and treatment of VMS and GSM in women with preexisting CVD, based on international expert consensus guidelines and/or expert opinion when data are scarce. For women with preexisting CVD or vascular risk factors who are candidates for HT, guidelines often address the appropriate formulation, dose, and route of delivery. For women who are not candidates for HT, non-hormonal options are reviewed, and their safety and efficacy in treating VMS and GSM are discussed. Due to increased knowledge of the role that pregnancy-related complications play in maternal risk for future CVD, these conditions are considered when addressing the use of systemic HT. Women at increased risk for future CVD without the use of HT, such as women with premature or early menopause, are also discussed, as well as the safely profile of HT in these special populations. With worldwide rates of CVD increasing among women in midlife, it is important for clinicians to have clear guidelines for identifying candidates for hormonal and nonhormonal treatments for symptom management to safeguard the health and quality of life of these patients through the menopause transition and post-menopause.