Prevention for the older woman. A practical guide to hormone replacement therapy and urogynecologic health

Abstract

Decisions to begin or continue hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are individualized, depending on a woman's anticipated benefits and risks from HRT. Estrogen, especially when begun early in menopause, has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Potential risks of HRT include gallbladder disease, thromboembolism, and breast cancer. Systemic or topical estrogen can improve postmenopausal vaginal atrophy, vasomotor symptoms, and cervical cytologic changes. Treatment of other urogynecologic changes, such as vulval dystrophy and urinary incontinence, can relieve symptoms and improve the older woman's quality of life.