Estrogen use and postmenopausal women: a basis for informed decisions. NIH Consensus Development

A panel of experts convened by the National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, reached the following consensus regarding estrogen use and postmenopausal women. The use of estrogens alleviates vasomotor symptoms and atrophy of the vaginal epithelium and might aid in preventing osteoporosis. However, it increases the incidence of endometrial cancer. The addition of progestins might prevent this complication, but potential risks have not been adequately evaluated. Convincing evidence that postmenopausal estrogen use influences the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and breast cancer does not currently exist. Many aspects of the menopause and its management require further research. Any candidate for postmenopausal estrogen use should be given as much information as possible about both benefits and risks and then, with her physician, reach an individualized decision regarding whether to receive estrogens.