Menopause Hormone Therapy: 30 Years of Advances and Controversies

Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) recommendations have changed significantly over the last 30 years. Early observational studies suggested that MHT offered broad benefits for women, including relief from menopausal symptoms, improved genitourinary health, prevention of osteoporosis, and reduction in cardiovascular disease. As randomized controlled trials were conducted to validate these findings, new evidence emerged that led to shifts in guidance from medical societies and sharp declines in MHT prescriptions.

This review summarizes 3 decades of research studies, key advancements and ongoing controversies.

We discuss current recommendations for MHT from cardiology, obstetrics/ gynecology and endocrinology medical societies and clinical perspectives.