Minerva Endocrinol. 2002 Mar; 27(1): 21-41.

Use of alternatives to estrogen for treatment of menopause.

Pinkerton JV, Santen R.

Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology and the Women's Place, and The Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.

Women frequently chose alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for treatment of menopause even though medical indications for estrogens may be present. Prior breast cancer or fear of breast cancer is a major consideration. This review of alternatives to estrogen discusses the evidence linking breast cancer to HRTs and compares potential risks and benefits of HRT to nonHRT alternatives for relief of vasomotor symptoms, vaginal atrophy, neurocognitive changes and prevention of heart disease and osteoporosis. Practical guidelines are suggested for use of alternatives for each problem.