Drugs for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Over the last decade, the management of the menopause has attracted extensive public and professional debate and has become one of the most controversial areas in clinical practice.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: This review provides an overview of the field, primarily from a clinical practice perspective. However, as we have incorporated in this 'big-picture' snapshot of the field both conventional and complementary approaches to managing the menopause, it is not an exhaustive review of the literature.

WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: By reviewing menopausal management from the perspective of practicing clinicians, we hope readers will gain insight into decision making processes appropriate for dealing with symptomatic women.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE: Although most women do not require pharmacotherapy for menopausal symptoms, many are severely affected by estrogen deficiency at and beyond menopause and, for such women, hormone therapy is important if they are to retain an acceptable quality of life. This article considers the drug treatment of the symptomatic postmenopausal woman and the safety issues related to these medications.