Estrogens for the menopause. Maximizing benefits, minimizing risks.

There is a definite place for estrogen replacement in symptomatic menopausal women. Requisites of such therapy are a through history to establish a real need, a complete gynecologic examination with a Pap smear before therapy begins and annually afterward, use of the smallest daily dose of estrogen that gives the desired effect, and periodic attempts to reduce the dosage or stop the hormone. Endometrial biopsy should be done regularly if this is feasible, and any uterine bleeding should be investigated. If the suggestions outlined are followed, maximal benefit can be achieved with minimal risk to the patient.