A nurse is evaluating several patients for possible hormone therapy to reduce severe symptoms of menopause. For which patient would hormone therapy be recommended?

Question

A.
53 years old, smoker, estrogen-progestin therapy
B.
54 years old, history of endometrial cancer 10 years ago, estrogen only
C.
55 years old, history of hysterectomy 4 years ago, estrogen only
D.
76 years old, went through menopause 16 years ago, estrogen-progestin

Answer 1

ANS: C
Estrogen therapy for women who have had a hysterectomy or estrogen-progestin therapy offers the greatest benefit and smallest risk to those who are within 10 years of menopause. The patient who is 55 and has had a hysterectomy would be the best candidate. The 53-year-old smoker has a double risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) because smoking increases the risk along with the combination hormone therapy. Estrogen-only therapy increases the risk of endometrial cancer, so it is not used in patients who have a history of endometrial cancer. The smallest risk is seen in women within 10 years of menopause, so the 76-year-old woman is too far removed from menopause to receive hormone therapy.