[Pre-therapeutic management and surveillance of menopausal hormone replacement therapy]

Pre-therapeutic evaluation of menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) requires certain measures in addition to a standard gynecological assessment. It is important to identify any possible breast or endometrial disorder which might require specific treatment or an adjustment of standard HRT. Skeletal status is assessed by history and, if necessary, by double-photon absorptiometry. Following such evaluation, absolute contra-indications are few in number, by virtue of the use of natural estradiol and non-androgenic progestogens. They essentially concern breast cancer and a thrombo-embolic history. The first follow-up visit, at three months, enables confirmation of the acceptability and efficacy of treatment and its adjustment if required. A monitoring calendar is then suggested.