What are the pros and cons of postmenopausal hormone use?
Studies have shown a slightly lower total mortality rate among postmenopausal women using hormones. However, the Women’s Health Initiative (which is the largest study of women’s health ever funded in the United States) study of estrogen plus progestin found no change in overall mortality associated with hormone use (106). Estrogen is very effective for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleeplessness, and vaginal dryness; however, estrogen does not appear to be an effective treatment for these symptoms when they occur in older women (89). Postmenopausal hormones may improve mood and psychological well-being in women who have hot flashes and sleeplessness during menopause, but should not be used to treat the symptoms of major depression. There are other reports that estrogen prevents memory loss, delays the onset of Alzheimer’s disease, and improves urinary incontinence. However, there are no convincing clinical trial data to support these claims (92). After five years of
