[Pharmacology of estrogens used in the treatment of menopause]

Abstract

Numerous compounds with estrogenic activity are available to treat menopause. The main ones are oestradiol, administered by various routes, and equine estrogens which are taken orally. These compounds differ from each other by their chemical structure, metabolism and kinetics; the metabolic impact of these drugs especially on the liver depends on these parameters. All estrogens are potent, active, and capable of treating effectively the short and long term manifestations of menopause. Their metabolic safety according to the route of administration remains opened to discussion.