BENEFITS OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY IN POSTMENOPAUSE: AN LITERATURE REVIEW

Abstract

Menopause, defined by amenorrhea for at least 12 months, is caused by natural ovarian failure, which generally occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 in most women. Due to the decline in ovarian follicles and the hormonal changes resulting from this process, this period is characterized by the presence of various symptoms, including hot flashes, sleep disturbances, changes in sexual function, bone loss, and mood alterations such as anxiety and depression. This study aimed to analyze the risks and benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), one of the main methods used to relieve postmenopausal symptoms. A literature review was conducted using the PubMed and Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases, with the descriptors “Benefits,” “Hormone Therapy,” and “Postmenopause” and the Boolean operator “AND.” After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 20 scientific articles were analyzed. Among these, several studies found benefits from the use of HRT, especially in the cardiovascular system, including improved vascular function, reduced risk of cardiovascular events, and lower overall mortality. A reduced risk of colorectal cancer, relief of vasomotor and genitourinary symptoms, improved lipid profile and bone density, as well as possible positive effects on cognition, were also observed. Although effective in relieving menopausal symptoms, HRT combined with progesterone has been associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, gallbladder disease, and breast cancer, and is therefore contraindicated for women with a history of these conditions. Thus, further studies are necessary to clarify the effectiveness of this method in order to ensure its safe use and genuinely improve the quality of life of women.