MENOPAUSE AND HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY: BENEFITS AND RISKS

Menopause represents a natural biological transition characterized by the permanent cessation of ovarian function, leading to significant changes in reproductive hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. These hormonal fluctuations contribute to a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, including vasomotor instability, urogenital atrophy, mood disturbances, and long-term metabolic shifts affecting cardiovascular, skeletal, and cognitive health. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) has emerged as the most effective therapeutic approach for managing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms; however, its use requires careful evaluation of individual risk factors, comorbidities, treatment duration, and formulation choice. The increasing prevalence of postmenopausal complications underscores the importance of understanding both the therapeutic potential and the safety concerns of HRT.