Algorithms for prescribing menopausal hormone therapy in different periods of menopause

Abstract

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms and genitourinary syndrome of menopause. MHT, initiated in women during the “therapeutic window” to relieve symptoms of estrogens deficiency and prevent or treat osteoporosis, is the only intervention that reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in healthy middle-aged women. MHT must be individualized and adapted; that is, a differentiated selection of therapy should be carried out, considering the woman’s health status and her comorbidities, as well as the MHT regimen (type, dose, route of administration and possible side effects). The article reflects the algorithms for prescribing MHT in different periods of menopause, which allow applying an individualized approach to patients who need MHT.

Keywords

• menopausal hormone therapy
• menopause
• genitourinary syndrome of menopause
• treatment of estrogens deficiency
• individualization of therapy