Conclusions
The use of HRT for the management of oestrogen-deficiency complaints and diseases is logical and effective. The choice of different HRT preparations and routes of administration allows flexibility for the optimization of both treatment effects and compliance. Such flexibility is not currently possible with gonadal substitutes. The oestrogen-like molecules may prove effective in both osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease, but a major drawback remains that they do not abolish symptoms such as hot flushes. However, it is possible in the future that both HRT and oestrogen-like molecules will have their specific places in the management of the postmenopausal woman. HRT will be used for younger postmenopausal women, who are most likely to be experiencing vasomotor symptoms, whilst preventing osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Older women, who have few or no vasomotor symptoms, could be started on, or changed to, oestrogen-like molecules to continue the disease risk prevention and additionally to protect against breast cancer, the risk of which is also higher in these women.
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Stevenson, J.C. Gonadal hormones. Osteoporosis Int 7 (Suppl 1), 58–60 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01674815
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01674815