Menopause and hormone replacement therapy: an overview.

This article presents an overview of the health changes that women face as they traverse menopause and the years beyond. It serves to link a series of individual articles, which follow it in this journal issue and relate to specific topics in these areas important to women's health. Indications, contraindications, and risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy are reviewed in depth. Alternative therapies are discussed and the role of preventive health is stressed. It seems that the menopause can be a time of positive change for women, provided that they and their physicians understand and individualize their care. If there is a central theme to such management, it is the education and responsibility of both the patient and physician.