J Korean Soc Menopause.  2010 Aug;16(2):65-70.

Low-dose Hormone Therapy in Postmenopausal Women

• Kim SR
• Chae HD

Abstract

The importance of the results of some large, randomized controlled trials on hormone therapy (HT) has changed the perceived risk or benefit of HT. It is now recommended that the dose and regimen of HT should be individualized based on the principle of choosing the lowest appropriate dose in relation to the severity of symptoms and age of menopause. The effectiveness of low and ultra-low dose HT has been demonstrated for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, genital atrophy and the prevention of bone loss with fewer side-effects than the standard dose HT. Although accumulating evidence demonstrates the efficacy and tolerability of low-dose HT, data about the use are limited by a lack of long-term, randomized studies. Further research is needed to determine the effect on fractures, as well as cardiovascular and breast disease.

Keyword

Low-dose hormone therapy; Menopause; Risk; Benefit

MeSH Terms

Atrophy
Breast Diseases
Female
Humans
Menopause