Management of menopause.

Abstract

Menopause signals a transition from the reproductive stage to the nonreproductive stage in a woman's life. Common problems that are relatively acute include hot flushes, menstrual irregularity, and atrophic changes in the vagina and the urinary tract. A variety of therapies, including hormone replacement, can be used to treat these conditions. In addition, the delayed problems of osteoporosis and arteriosclerotic coronary artery disease increase in incidence and severity after menopause. A number of lifestyle changes are beneficial in these conditions, both acutely and to retard the development of several important diseases. The use of hormone therapy and other treatments should be individualized and fully discussed with each patient. Most importantly, the additional benefits and risks of each form of treatment, plus the beneficial lifestyle changes, should also be discussed.