Estrogen replacement therapy

Abstract

More than 40 million American women are menopausal; another 3.5 million women will be reaching the climacteric age each year for the next 12 years. These women will have a life expectancy of more than 30 years after menopause. In America, there are three widely recognized indications for postmenopausal hormone replacement: vasomotor symptoms, dyspareunia, and the progressive development of osteoporosis. Ovarian hormone research indicates a wide variety of nonreproductive effects of ovarian steroids. The recognition of the relationship between ovarian hormone imbalance and signs and symptoms of disturbed function in these systems provides a new frontier for continuing research and preventive health care.