Micronized progesterone, progestins, and menopause hormone therapy

Abstract

Treatment with estrogens alone in women without a uterus or in combination with progestins (PG) in women with a uterus is the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms in the peri or postmenopausal period. However, PGs differ by their biological activities, and it is likely that not all PGs will display a class effect. The type of PG is important regarding tolerance and cardiovascular and breast cancer risk. Some studies indicate that micronized progesterone (P) is safer than synthetic PGs with an acceptable metabolic profile. For that purpose, we conducted a narrative review on the balance between benefit/risk using P versus PGs in menopause hormone therapy (MHT) to aid clinician to choose the best regimens, specifically the PG component of hormone therapy, for women with bothersome menopausal symptoms and with a uterus.