Estrogens in postmenopausal women: recent insights.

Recent literature has consistently supported the use of postmenopausal estrogens for treatment of moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms and for prevention of osteoporosis. Although assessment of quality of life is complex, symptom relief has often been shown to translate into improvements in quality of life measures for women. Recent studies have reported a small increase in breast cancer with long-term hormone therapy, as well as a small increase in cardiovascular events and dementia when therapy is started in a population that is, on average, 13 years post-menopause. Ongoing investigations into different formulations and dosing options, as well as genetic factors that might influence the response to therapy, should provide valuable information.