What should we be advising women about hormone replacement therapy

The menopausal transition may be a challenging period in a woman's life. For some, the menopausal symptoms may last for many years and can result in significant physical and emotional consequences. Adverse publicity regarding hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use over the last decade has resulted in a significant decline in HRT use, and as a result many women have been left to cope with their menopausal symptoms. This article discusses the current evidence on the role of HRT in the management of menopausal women, including its benefits and potential risks. It also summarises the recent HRT guidelines published by the British Menopause Society.