Menopause - treatment of complaints

Cessation of ovarian function is associated with a significant reduction in plasma estrogen concentration that results in the development

of more or less serious somatic, functional, and mental changes. Early symptoms of estrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women

are most effectively managed with hormone replacement therapy. This year, ten years have elapsed since the publication of the initial

results of the Women's Health Initiative study that substantially altered the approach of both physicians and the public to influencing

the sequelae of menopause. The subsequent analyses and new findings became the basis for revising the decision-making process in

prescribing ET/EPT and recommending alternative means. Initiation of ET/EPT in the peri- and early postmenopausal periods with the

lowest possible effective doses minimizes adverse events and ensures a preponderance of benefit over risk. In the case of contraindications,

safer, but less effective nonhormonal alternatives can be recommended. Hormone replacement is not suitable for the prevention

and treatment of late sequelae of menopause.

Keywords: menopause, estrogen deficiency, hormone replacement therapy