Having heard positive reports of the benefits of hormone therapy (HT) from her sister-in-law and friends, a 49-year-old woman has presented to her family physician asking to start HT

Question

Her uterus is intact, and previous bone scans have indicated low bone density. The client also has a family history of heart disease. She characterizes her symptoms of menopause as "noticeable, but not debilitating by any means." Based on the most current research, what is her physician's best course of action?
A)
Begin estrogen-progesterone HT (EPT) to prevent future menopausal symptoms and coronary heart disease (CHD).
B)
Forego HT in light of her preexisting low bone density and consequent risk of osteoporosis.
C)
Forego HT but consider alternative therapies and reevaluate if her symptoms significantly affect her quality of life.
D)
Begin low-dose HT but perform regular breast cancer screening and heart health checks.

Answer 1

Ans:
C

Feedback:

Current recommendations for HT, in light of the findings of the WHI and other clinical trials, are to avoid HT for primary or secondary prevention of CHD; develop an individual risk profile for every woman contemplating HT and provide information regarding known risks; utilize HT only in those women who require relief from menopausal symptoms that affect quality of life; consider lower than standard doses and alternative routes of administration; limit the use of HT to the shortest duration consistent with goals, benefits, and risks of treatment for each woman; and because of the potential risks associated with HT products that are FDA approved for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, consider alternative therapies if the woman is not symptomatic.