Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Older Women: Examining the Current Balance of Evidence

AbstractMenopause occurs in all women. During the menopause transition, 80% of women experience vasomotor symptoms that can last an average of 7 –10 years or longer, sometimes into the seventh and eighth decades of life. Understanding how to manage vasomotor symptoms (VMS) in older menopausal women is important since these symptoms can negatively impact quality of life. This review provides a practical guide on how to approach VMS treatme nt either with menopausal hormone therapy or non-hormone options. When initiating, as well as continuing hormone therapy, the factors clinicians should consider as they weigh risks and benefits include assessing a woman’s risks related to cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. Ut ilizing a shared decision-making approach in regard to menopausal symptom management should aim to support women and help them maintain health and quality of life.
Source: Drugs and Aging - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research