The chapter includes a brief history of, and the interpretation offered by early
Greek and other physicians in ancient times, regarding the changes which occurred in
older women, together with a brief list of the many therapies available to early
physicians to treat these women, from antiquity till the discovery and introduction of
estrogen in the 20th century. Also included is a review of the more recent development
of bio-identical and synthetic hormones for use in managing symptoms of hormone
deficiency. The reason for using hormone therapy with the benefits identified and the
improved health outcomes following use of long-term hormone therapy are listed. A
brief comment is also made regarding the exploitation by the media and some health
care providers of those adverse results identified in the Women’s Health Initiative study
in 2002 and Million Women Study in 2003 and their role in modifying the use of
hormone therapy for postmenopausal women. Because of the fear that women using
hormone therapy will develop Breast Cancer, Alzheimer’s Dementia or Cardiovascular
Disease the role of estrogen/progestin therapy on these outcomes is also briefly
mentioned. The necessity for beginning therapy during the ‘window of opportunity’ is
explained. The development, and the advantages, of various routes for delivery of
hormones in order to reduce the risk of any adverse response to HRT are also discussed.
The value of using HRT and other therapies for preventing and treating osteoporosis is
presented and finally the most common alternative therapies currently being promoted
for treating post-menopausal symptoms are critiqued.
Keywords: Estrogen, progestins, testosterone, benefits, cardiovascular protection,
dementia, osteoprotection, adverse, breast cancer, alternative therapies,
antidepressants, other therapies.
