MP Trt Guide 2015

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S P E C I A L
C l i n i c a l

P r a c t i c e

F E A T U R E

G u i d e l i n e

Treatment of Symptoms of the Menopause: An
Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Cynthia A. Stuenkel, Susan R. Davis, Anne Gompel, Mary Ann Lumsden,
M. Hassan Murad, JoAnn V. Pinkerton, and Richard J. Santen
University of California, San Diego, Endocrine/Metabolism (C.A.S.), La Jolla, California 92093; Monash
University, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (S.R.D.), Melbourne 03004, Australia;
Université Paris Descartes, Hôpitaux Universitaires Port Royal-Cochin Unit de Gynécologie Endocrnienne
(A.G.), Paris 75014, France; University of Glasgow School of Medicine (M.A.L.), Glasgow G31 2ER,
Scotland; Mayo Clinic, Division of Preventive Medicine (M.H.M.), Rochester, Minnesota 55905; University
of Virginia, Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.V.P.), Charlottesville, Virginia 22908; and University of Virginia
Health System (R.J.S.), Charlottesville, Virginia 22903

Objective: The objective of this document is to generate a practice guideline for the management
and treatment of symptoms of the menopause.
Participants: The Treatment of Symptoms of the Menopause Task Force included six experts, a
methodologist, and a medical writer, all appointed by The Endocrine Society.
Evidence: The Task Force developed this evidenced-based guideline using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to describe the strength
of recommendations and the quality of evidence. The Task Force commissioned three systematic
reviews of published data and considered several other existing meta-analyses and trials.
Consensus Process: Multiple e-mail communications, conference calls, and one face-to-face meeting determined consensus. Committees of The Endocrine Society, representatives from endorsing
societies, and members of The Endocrine Society reviewed and commented on the drafts of the
guidelines. The Australasian Menopause Society, the British Menopause Society, European Menopause and Andropause Society, the European Society of Endocrinology, and the International
Menopause Society (co-sponsors of the guideline) reviewed and commented on the draft.
Conclusions: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for vasomotor
symptoms and other symptoms of the climacteric. Benefits may exceed risks for the majority of symptomatic postmenopausal women who are under age 60 or under 10 years since the onset of menopause. Health care professionals should individualize therapy based on clinical factors and patient
preference. They should screen women before initiating MHT for cardiovascular and breast cancer risk
and recommend the most appropriate therapy depending on risk/benefit considerations. Current
evidence does not justify the use of MHT to prevent coronary heart disease, breast cancer, or dementia.
Other options are available for those with vasomotor symptoms who prefer not to use MHT or who have
contraindications because these patients should not use MHT. Low-dose vaginal estrogen and ospemifene
provide effective therapy for the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, and vaginal moisturizers and
lubricants are available for those not choosing hormonal therapy. All postmenopausal women should
embrace appropriate lifestyle measures. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 100: 3975–4011, 2015)
ISSN Print 0021-972X ISSN Online 1945-7197
Printed in USA
Copyright © 2015 by the Endocrine Society
Received May 7, 2015. Accepted August 28, 2015.
First Published Online October 7, 2015

doi: 10.1210/jc.2015-2236

Abbreviations: BZA, bazedoxifene; CEE, conjugated equine estrogens; CHD, coronary heart
disease; CI, confidence interval; CVD, cardiovascular disease; DVT, deep vein thrombosis; EPT,
estrogen plus progestogen therapy; ET, estrogen therapy; GSM, genitourinary syndrome of
menopause; HR, hazard ratio; MetS, metabolic syndrome; MHT, menopausal hormone therapy; MI, myocardial infarction; MPA, medroxyprogesterone acetate; OTC, over the counter; PE,
pulmonary embolism; POI, primary ovarian insufficiency; QOL, quality of life; RCT, randomized
controlled trial; SERM, selective estrogen receptor modulator; SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; SNRI, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; VMS, vasomotor symptoms; VTE, venous thromboembolism; VVA, vulvovaginal atrophy.

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Summary of Recommendations
1.0 Diagnosis and symptoms of menopause
1.1 We suggest diagnosing menopause based on the
clinical criteria of the menstrual cycle. (2ⱍQQEE)
1.2 If establishing a diagnosis of menopause is necessary for patient management in women having undergone
a hysterectomy without bilateral oophorectomy or presenting with a menstrual history that is inadequate to ascertain menopausal status, we suggest making a presumptive diagnosis of menopause based on the presence of
vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and, when indicated, laboratory testing that includes replicate measures of FSH and
serum estradiol. (2ⱍQQEE)
2.0 Health considerations for all menopausal
women
2.1 When women present during the menopausal transition, we suggest using this opportunity to address bone
health, smoking cessation, alcohol use, cardiovascular
risk assessment and management, and cancer screening
and prevention. (Ungraded best practice statement)
3.0 Hormone therapy for menopausal symptom
relief
3.1 Estrogen and progestogen therapy
3.1a For menopausal women ⬍ 60 years of age or ⬍ 10
years past menopause with bothersome VMS (with or
without additional climacteric symptoms) who do not
have contraindications or excess cardiovascular or breast
cancer risks and are willing to take menopausal hormone
therapy (MHT), we suggest initiating estrogen therapy
(ET) for those without a uterus and estrogen plus progestogen therapy (EPT) for those with a uterus. (2ⱍQQEE)
Cardiovascular risk
3.1b For women ⬍ age 60 or ⬍ 10 years past menopause onset considering MHT for menopausal symptom
relief, we suggest evaluating the baseline risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and taking this risk into consideration when advising for or against MHT and when selecting type, dose, and route of administration. (2ⱍQQEE)
3.1c For women at high risk of CVD, we suggest initiating nonhormonal therapies to alleviate bothersome
VMS (with or without climacteric symptoms) over MHT.
(2ⱍQQEE)
3.1d For women with moderate risk of CVD, we suggest transdermal estradiol as first-line treatment, alone for
women without a uterus or combined with micronized
progesterone (or another progestogen that does not adversely modify metabolic parameters) for women with a
uterus, because these preparations have less untoward ef-

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fect on blood pressure, triglycerides, and carbohydrate
metabolism. (2ⱍQQEE)
Venous thromboembolic events
3.1e For women at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) who request MHT, we recommend a
nonoral route of ET at the lowest effective dose, if not
contraindicated (1ⱍQQEE); for women with a uterus, we
recommend a progestogen (for example, progesterone and
dydrogestone) that is neutral on coagulation parameters.
(1ⱍQQQE)
Breast cancer
3.1f For women considering MHT for menopausal
symptom relief, we suggest evaluating the baseline risk of
breast cancer and taking this risk into consideration when
advising for or against MHT and when selecting type,
dose, and route of administration. (2ⱍQQEE)
3.1g For women at high or intermediate risk of breast
cancer considering MHT for menopausal symptom relief,
we suggest nonhormonal therapies over MHT to alleviate
bothersome VMS. (2ⱍQQEE)
Tailoring MHT
3.1h We suggest a shared decision-making approach to
decide about the choice of formulation, starting dose, the
route of administration of MHT, and how to tailor MHT
to each woman’s individual situation, risks, and treatment
goals. (Ungraded best practice statement)
Custom-compounded hormones
3.1i We recommend using MHT preparations approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
and comparable regulating bodies outside the United
States and recommend against the use of custom-compounded hormones. (Ungraded best practice statement)
3.2 Conjugated equine estrogens with bazedoxifene
3.2 For symptomatic postmenopausal women with a
uterus and without contraindications, we suggest the combination of conjugated equine estrogens (CEE)/bazedoxifene (BZA) (where available) as an option for relief of
VMS and prevention of bone loss. (2ⱍQQQE)
3.3 Tibolone
3.3a For women with bothersome VMS and climacteric
symptoms and without contraindications, we suggest
tibolone (in countries where available) as an alternative to
MHT. (2ⱍQQEE)
3.3b We recommend against adding tibolone to other
forms of MHT. (1ⱍQQEE)
3.3c We recommend against using tibolone in women
with a history of breast cancer. (1ⱍQQEE)

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3.4 Clinical management of patients taking hormone
therapies
Monitoring during therapy
3.4a For women with persistent unscheduled bleeding
while taking MHT, we recommend evaluation to rule out
pelvic pathology, most importantly, endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. (1ⱍQQQE)
3.4b We recommend informing women about the
possible increased risk of breast cancer during and after
discontinuing EPT and emphasizing the importance of
adhering to age-appropriate breast cancer screening.
(1ⱍQQQE)
3.4c We suggest that the decision to continue MHT be
revisited at least annually, targeting the shortest total duration of MHT consistent with the treatment goals and
evolving risk assessment of the individual woman. (Ungraded best practice statement)
3.4d For young women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), premature or early menopause, without contraindications, we suggest taking MHT until the time of
anticipated natural menopause, when the advisability of
continuing MHT can be reassessed. (2ⱍQQEE)
Stopping considerations
3.4e For women preparing to discontinue MHT, we
suggest a shared decision-making approach to elicit individual preference about adopting a gradual taper vs
abrupt discontinuation. (2ⱍQQEE)
4.0 Nonhormonal therapies for VMS
4.0 For postmenopausal women with mild or less bothersome hot flashes, we suggest a series of steps that do not
involve medication, such as turning down the thermostat,
dressing in layers, avoiding alcohol and spicy foods, and
reducing obesity and stress. (2ⱍQQEE)
4.1 Nonhormonal prescription therapies for VMS
4.1a For women seeking pharmacological management
for moderate to severe VMS for whom MHT is contraindicated, or who choose not to take MHT, we recommend
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)/serotoninnorepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or gabapentin or pregabalin (if there are no contraindications).
(1ⱍQQQE)
4.1b For those women seeking relief of moderate to
severe VMS who are not responding to or tolerating the
nonhormonal prescription therapies, SSRIs/SNRIs or gabapentin or pregabalin, we suggest a trial of clonidine (if
there are no contraindications). (2ⱍQQEE)
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4.2 Over-the-counter and alternative nonhormonal
therapies for VMS
4.2 For women seeking relief of VMS with over-thecounter (OTC) or complementary medicine therapies,
we suggest counseling regarding the lack of consistent
evidence for benefit for botanicals, black cohosh,
omega-3-fatty acids, red clover, vitamin E, and mind/
body alternatives including anxiety control, acupuncture, paced breathing, and hypnosis. (2ⱍQQEE)
5.0 Treatment of genitourinary syndrome of
menopause
5.1 Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
5.1a For postmenopausal women with symptoms of
vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), we suggest a trial of vaginal
moisturizers to be used at least twice weekly. (2ⱍQQEE)
5.1b For women who do not produce sufficient vaginal
secretions for comfortable sexual activity, we suggest vaginal lubricants. (2ⱍQQEE)
5.2 Vaginal estrogen therapies
5.2a For women without a history of hormone- (estrogen) dependent cancers who are seeking relief from symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) (including VVA) that persist despite using vaginal lubricants
and moisturizers, we recommend low-dose vaginal ET.
(1ⱍQQQE)
Practice statement
5.2b In women with a history of breast or endometrial
cancer, who present with symptomatic GSM (including
VVA), that does not respond to nonhormonal therapies,
we suggest a shared decision-making approach that includes the treating oncologist to discuss using low-dose
vaginal ET. (Ungraded best practice statement)
5.2c For women taking raloxifene, without a history of
hormone- (estrogen) dependent cancers, who develop
symptoms of GSM (including VVA) that do not respond
to nonhormonal therapies, we suggest adding low-dose
vaginal ET. (2ⱍQQEE)
5.2d For women using low-dose vaginal ET, we suggest
against adding a progestogen (ie, no need for adding progestogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia). (2ⱍQEEE)
5.2e For women using vaginal ET who report postmenopausal bleeding or spotting, we recommend prompt
evaluation for endometrial pathology. (1ⱍQQEE)
5.3 Ospemifene
5.3a For treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia
associated with vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal
women without contraindications, we suggest a trial of
ospemifene. (2ⱍQQQE)

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5.3b For women with a history of breast cancer presenting with dyspareunia, we recommend against ospemifene. (1ⱍQEEE)

Method of Development of Evidencebased Clinical Practice Guidelines
The Clinical Guidelines Subcommittee (CGS) of The Endocrine Society deemed management of menopause a priority area in need of a practice guideline and appointed a
Task Force to formulate evidence-based recommendations. The Task Force followed the approach recommended by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) group, an
international group with expertise in development and
implementation of evidence-based guidelines (1). A detailed description of the grading scheme has been published elsewhere (2). The Task Force used the best available research evidence to develop the recommendations.
The Task Force commissioned three systematic reviews of
the literature to inform its key recommendations. The
Task Force used consistent language and graphical descriptions of both the strength of a recommendation and
the quality of evidence using the recommendations of the
GRADE system. In terms of the strength of the recommendation, strong recommendations use the phrase “we
recommend” or “we recommend against” and the number
1, and weak recommendations use the phrase “we suggest” or “we suggest against” and the number 2. Crossfilled circles indicate the quality of the evidence, such that
QEEE denotes very low quality evidence; QQEE, low
quality; QQQE, moderate quality; and QQQQ, high quality. The Task Force has confidence that persons who receive care according to the strong recommendations will
derive, on average, more good than harm. Weak recommendations require more careful consideration of the person’s circumstances, values, and preferences to determine
the best course of action. Linked to each recommendation
is a description of the evidence and the values the panelists
considered when making the recommendation. In some
instances, there are remarks, a section in which panelists
offer technical suggestions for testing conditions, dosing,
and monitoring. These technical comments reflect the best
available evidence applied to a typical person being
treated. Often this evidence comes from the unsystematic
observations of the panelists and their values and preferences; therefore, these remarks should be considered suggestions. In this guideline, the Task Force made several
statements to emphasize the importance of shared decision
making, general preventive care measures, and basic principles of women’s health. These were labeled as ungraded

J Clin Endocrinol Metab, November 2015, 100(11):3975– 4011

best practice statements. Direct evidence for these statements
was either unavailable or not systematically appraised and
was considered out of the scope of this guideline. The intention of these statements is to draw attention and remind providers of these principles, and these statements should not be
considered as graded recommendations (3).
The 2013 Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and
Evaluation II (AGREEII) criteria (23 items) were satisfied,
with three exceptions. Item 5 stipulates that the views and
preferences of the target population (patients, public, etc)
have been sought. The Task Force did not conduct specific
polling/outreach to the public in anticipation of this guideline. Item 14 states that a procedure for updating the
guideline is provided. This process has not been formalized. Item 20 suggests that the potential resource implications of applying the recommendations have been considered. The Task Force did not include cost analysis of risk
assessment tools or prescription drug therapies.
The Endocrine Society maintains a rigorous conflictof-interest review process for the development of clinical
practice guidelines. All Task Force members must declare
any potential conflicts of interest, which are reviewed
before the members are approved to serve on the Task
Force and periodically during the development of the
guideline. The conflict-of-interest forms are vetted by the
CGS before the members are approved by the Society’s
Council to participate on the guideline Task Force. Participants in the guideline development must include a majority of individuals without conflict of interest in the matter under study. Participants with conflicts of interest may
participate in the development of the guideline, but they
must have disclosed all conflicts. The CGS and the Task
Force have reviewed all disclosures for this guideline and
resolved or managed all identified conflicts of interest.
Conflicts of interest are defined by remuneration in any
amount from the commercial interest(s) in the form of
grants; research support; consulting fees; salary; ownership interest (eg, stocks, stock options, or ownership interest excluding diversified mutual funds); honoraria or
other payments for participation in speakers’ bureaus, advisory boards, or boards of directors; or other financial
benefits. Completed forms are available through the Endocrine Society office.
Funding for this guideline was derived solely from the
Endocrine Society, and thus the Task Force received no
funding or remuneration from commercial or other
entities.
Commissioned systematic reviews
The Task Force formulated three questions for systematic reviews to provide evidence supporting this guideline.
The first compared the effect of oral vs transdermal es-

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trogens on the risk of venous and arterial thrombotic
events. Low-quality evidence derived from 15 observational studies suggested that, compared with transdermal
MHT, oral MHT was associated with increased risk of
VTE, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and possibly stroke,
but not myocardial infarction (MI) (4). The second question evaluated the effect of MHT on mortality. Data from
43 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrated no
association between all-cause mortality, regardless of hormone type, the presence of pre-existing heart disease, or
length of follow-up (5). Meta-analysis of 2 RCTs in which
MHT was started at a mean age less than 60 and 3 RCTs
in which MHT was started less than10 years after menopause suggested possible reduction of mortality with
MHT. The third question compared the effect of MHT
with natural progesterone vs synthetic progestins on
breast cancer risk. Low-quality evidence from two observational studies suggested that natural progesterone may
be associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer compared with synthetic progestins, but data were insufficient
to draw a firm conclusion.

Introduction and background
VMS, hot flashes, and night sweats, are the hallmarks
of menopause, although not all women experience these
symptoms. Other climacteric symptoms include sleep disturbance (6, 7), arthralgia (7–9), and vaginal dryness and
dyspareunia (7, 10, 11). It is less clear whether anxiety,
irritability, depression, palpitations, skin dryness, loss of
libido, and fatigue can be attributed to menopause (7, 9,
12). Symptoms frequently start in the years before the final
menstrual period and can last, with unpredictable duration, from a few years to more than 13 years (13–16).
ET has long been recognized as the most effective treatment for the relief of bothersome vasomotor and vaginal
symptoms associated with menopause. However, prescriptions for MHT declined considerably after the 2002
publication of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) RCT.
This study determined that for postmenopausal women
(average age, 63 y), oral CEE alone after hysterectomy
(17), or coupled with daily medroxyprogesterone acetate
(MPA) in women with a uterus (18), was associated with
risks disproportionate to preventive benefits (17, 18).
During ensuing years, a consensus arose that most healthy
symptomatic women, without contraindications and
closer to the time of menopause (⬍10 y after menopause
onset or age ⬍60 y), were appropriate candidates for
MHT for symptom relief (19, 20). Post hoc WHI analyses
and observational data suggest that benefits exceed risks
in most of these women. At this juncture, women in the
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United States and some other countries have a broader
range of therapeutic choices than ever before, including:
MHT dose, type, and route of administration; new selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) as solo or
combination therapies; and expanded choices of nonhormonal prescription medications. In this guideline, we emphasize safety in identifying which late perimenopausal
and recently postmenopausal women are candidates for
various therapeutic agents. Considerations include the
risks and benefits of each available therapy, the expected
duration of treatment, the intensity of monitoring during
therapy, and most importantly, individualizing the
course of therapy to reflect the specific characteristics of
the patient who is making decisions regarding symptom
management.
This guideline covers the full spectrum of therapies for
relief of the most common and bothersome menopausal
symptoms (Figure 1). (The detailed management of early
menopause transition, primary ovarian insufficiency, and
prevention of osteoporosis and fracture are considered
beyond the current scope.) Choice of therapy is ideally
based on available evidence regarding safety and efficacy
and is generally a shared decision including both patient
and provider. The treatment selected should be tailored to
the individual patient and will vary according to each
woman’s symptom severity, age, medical profile, personal
preference, and estimated benefit/risk ratio. The impact of
severe menopausal symptoms on quality of life (QOL) can
be substantial, and there are instances in which a woman
with a history of coronary heart disease (CHD) or breast
cancer, for example, will choose to accept a degree of risk
that might otherwise be considered to outweigh the benefits of MHT. An accepted philosophy is that a fully informed patient should be empowered to make a decision
that best balances individual QOL benefits against potential health risks (21).
1.0 Diagnosis and symptoms of menopause
1.1 We suggest diagnosing menopause based on the
clinical criteria of the menstrual cycle. (2ⱍQQEE)
1.2 If establishing a diagnosis of menopause is necessary for patient management in women having undergone
a hysterectomy without bilateral oophorectomy or presenting with a menstrual history that is inadequate to ascertain menopausal status, we suggest making a presumptive diagnosis of menopause based on the presence of VMS
and, when indicated, laboratory testing that includes replicate measures of FSH and serum estradiol. (2ⱍQQEE)
Technical remark
Table 1 summarizes other etiologies of secondary
amenorrhea to be considered in the differential diagnosis.

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Figure 1. Approach to menopause guideline. Numbers correspond to section of text addressing selected clinical issue.

Diagnosis
Table 1 lists definitions of the clinical spectrum of
menopause. In a woman with an intact uterus, menopause
is a clinical diagnosis based upon cessation of menses for
at least 12 months. Sex steroids, gonadotropins, inhibin B,
or anti-Mullerian hormone measurements do not further
Table 1.

inform the diagnosis, do not indicate precisely when the
final menstrual period will occur, and will not influence
management unless a woman is seeking fertility. In women
having undergone a hysterectomy but not bilateral oophorectomy, elevated FSH levels and estradiol concentrations ⬍ 20 pg/mL on several occasions support but do not

Definitions of Spectrum of Menopause

Menopause
Clinical status after the final menstrual period, diagnosed retrospectively after cessation of menses for 12 mo in a previously
cycling woman and reflecting complete or nearly complete permanent cessation of ovarian function and fertility.
Spontaneous menopause
Cessation of menses that occurs at an average age of 51 y in the absence of surgery or medication (316 –318).
Menopausal transition (or perimenopause)
An interval preceding the menopause characterized by variations in menstrual cycle length and bleeding pattern, mood
shifts, vasomotor, and vaginal symptoms and with rising FSH levels and falling anti-Mullerian hormone and inhibin B
levels, which starts during the late reproductive stage and progresses during the menopause transition (15, 319).
Climacteric
The phase in the aging of women marking the transition from the reproductive phase to the nonreproductive state. This
phase incorporates the perimenopause by extending for a longer variable period before and after the perimenopause.
Climacteric syndrome
When the climacteric is associated with symptomatology.
Menopause after hysterectomy without oophorectomy
Spontaneous cessation of ovarian function without the clinical signal of cessation of menses.
Induced menopause
Cessation of ovarian function induced by chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or bilateral oophorectomy.
Early menopause
Cessation of ovarian function occurring between ages 40 and 45 in the absence of other etiologies for secondary
amenorrhea (pregnancy, hyperprolactinemia, and thyroid disorders).
POI
Loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 y with waxing and waning course and potential resumption of menses,
conception, and pregnancy (320). The prevalence of POI is approximately 1% (321) and is differentiated into idiopathic,
autoimmune (associated with polyglandular autoimmune syndromes), metabolic disorders, and genetic abnormalities
(including fragile X premutation).
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confirm the diagnosis. A distinction between the late perimenopause transition, marked by episodes of ⬎ 60 days of
amenorrhea and increasing severity of VMS (15), and
early postmenopause cannot be made on the sole basis of
hormone measurements. With radiotherapy- or chemotherapy-induced menopause, it is important to recognize
that ovarian function may resume after 12 months of
amenorrhea (22), depending on the age of the woman and
the dose and duration of treatment (22). For POI, persistent FSH elevation in women ⬍ age 40 provides a tentative
diagnosis (Table 1).
Signs and symptoms
Vasomotor symptoms
Prevalence. Hot flashes (also called hot flushes) occur in
approximately 75% of postmenopausal women in the
United States (23). In the Study of Women Across the
Nation (SWAN), after controlling for age, education,
health, and economic strain, researchers found that US
Caucasian women report more psychosomatic symptoms,
African American and Hispanic women report more
VMS, and Asian women report more somatic complaints
(16, 24). Notably, across countries and ethnic backgrounds, the percentage of women reporting hot flashes
varies (25–27). In a cross-sectional study of premenopausal women (mean age, 48 y), one-third reported “ever”
experiencing hot flashes (28). A comparison between
VMS experienced during the premenopause vs the postmenopause may be informative when counseling a postmenopausal woman regarding symptom relief, although
to our knowledge, the presence and frequency of premenopausal hot flashes have not been studied as being predictive of response to therapy in the postmenopause. Persistence of hot flashes may also vary depending upon when
in the menopausal transition VMS were first noted. In
SWAN, earlier onset of VMS was associated with longer
postmenopausal duration (16).
Clinical manifestations. Hot flashes typically begin as the
sudden sensation of heat centered on the upper chest and
face. When moderate or severe, the hot flash rapidly becomes generalized, lasts from 2 to 4 minutes, and can be
associated with profuse perspiration, palpitations, or anxiety. Triggers include spicy food or alcohol. At night, vasomotor instability manifests as hot flashes or night
sweats, which may represent different physiological mechanisms. The differential diagnosis includes several entities
distinguishable by clinical features (Table 2). New-onset
VMS in older (age, ⱖ 65 y) postmenopausal women may
be associated with, but not necessarily causally related to,
increased risk of major CHD and all-cause mortality (29).
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Table 2. Conditions That May Cause or Mimic
Vasomotor Events and That Can Be Distinguished From
Menopausal Symptoms by History, Examination, and
Investigations, as Indicated
Hormone excess
Thyroid hormone excess
Carcinoid syndrome (flushing without sweating)
Pheochromocytoma (hypertension, flushing, and profuse
sweating)
Dietary factors
Alcohol
Spicy food
Food additives (eg, monosodium glutamate, sulfites)
Pharmaceuticals
Chronic opioid use
Opiate withdrawal
SSRIs (may cause sweats)
Nicotinic acid (intense warmth, itching lasting up to 30 min)
Calcium channel blockers
Medications that block estrogen action or biosynthesis
Chronic infection (increased body temperature)
Other medical conditions
Postgastric surgery dumping syndrome
Mastocytosis and mast cell disorders (usually with
gastrointestinal symptoms)
Some cancers: medullary carcinoma of the thyroid,
pancreatic islet-cell tumors, renal cell carcinoma,
lymphoma
Anxiety disorders

Association with sleep. In polysomnography studies, nocturnal hot flashes are more common during the first 4
hours of sleep, whereas subsequent rapid eye movement
sleep suppresses hot flashes, arousals, and awakenings
(30). A recent study that induced estrogen deficiency in
healthy premenopausal women with a GnRH agonist directly demonstrated that hot flashes are associated with
three factors: 1) an increase in episodes of waking after
sleep-onset; 2) a decrease in perceived sleep efficiency; and
3) a statistically significant correlation between nocturnal
VMS and sleep disruption (31). Although these data are
informative, it has not been substantiated whether they
apply in naturally postmenopausal women with continuously high gonadotropins. An important contributing factor is aging, which likely is also involved in sleep disturbances in menopausal women.
Mechanisms. VMS appear to involve the central nervous
system (32) because: 1) hot flashes occur simultaneously
with, but are not caused by, LH pulses (33, 34); and 2)
research has shown an association with the neuroregulators kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin (35). Alterations of thermoregulatory systems are mechanistically
involved because women with hot flashes exhibit a narrowing of the thermoregulatory-neutral zone (32).
Whereas premenopausal women initiate mechanisms to
dissipate heat when the core body temperature increases

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by 0.4°C, this happens with much lower increases in temperature in menopausal women (36). Core body temperature is usually still within the normal range at the onset
of the flash, but inappropriate peripheral vasodilatation
with increased digital and cutaneous blood flow and perspiration results in rapid heat loss and a fall in core body
temperature (32). Shivering may occur to restore the core
temperature (36).
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
This new term “genitourinary syndrome of menopause” (GSM) combines the conditions of VVA and urinary tract dysfunction (Table 3) (37). VVA most often
presents in the late postmenopausal stage, when VMS may
have abated (15). When VVA is severe, women may have
discomfort wearing tight-fitting clothing or while sitting
or exercising. Sexual activity is not required for patients to
experience vaginal or genital discomfort. Urinary symptoms— dysuria, urinary frequency, and recurrent urinary
tract infections—increase in severity with time since
menopause.
Other signs and symptoms
The menopausal decline of estradiol increases bone resorption and contributes to fractures (38).
Possible related signs and symptoms
Research has suggested (but not proven) a direct relationship between menopause and mood changes, mild deTable 3.

Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Symptoms
Vulvar pain, burning, or itching
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal discharge
Dyspareunia
Spotting or bleeding after intercourse
Dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Signs, external genitalia
Decreased labial size
Loss of vulvar fat pads
Vulvar fissures
Receded or phimotic clitoris
Prominent urethra with mucosal eversion or prolapse
Signs, vagina
Introital narrowing
Loss of elasticity with constriction
Thin vaginal epithelial lining
Loss of mature squamous epithelium
Pale or erythematous appearance
Petechiae, ulcerations, or tears
Alkaline pH (⬎5.5)
Infection (yellow or greenish discharge)
Derived from D. J. Portman et al: Genitourinary syndrome of
menopause: new terminology for vulvovaginal atrophy from the
International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health and the
North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2014;21:1063–1068
(37), with permission.

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pressive symptoms, anxiety, irritability, arthralgias, loss
of libido, palpitations, skin dryness, fatigue, and reduction
in QOL (38, 39). As opposed to the conclusions in the
2005 National Institutes of Health State of the Science
consensus regarding the uncertain relationship between
mood and menopause, more recent longitudinal studies
now support an association of the menopause transition
with depressed mood, major depressive episodes, and
anxiety.
2.0 Health considerations for all menopausal
women
2.1 When women present during the menopausal transition, we suggest using this opportunity to address bone
health, smoking cessation, alcohol use, cardiovascular
risk assessment and management, and cancer screening
and prevention. (Ungraded best practice statement)
Evidence
The menopause transition, a portal to the second half
of life, is a critical window to reassess lifestyle, recognize
ongoing and potential health concerns, and encourage a
proactive approach to future well-being, regardless of
menopausal symptoms. To decrease morbidity and mortality from CVD and cancer and maintain QOL, optimizing diet and exercise to maintain healthy weight are
important measures, as are counseling regarding alcohol use and smoking cessation and identifying and treating hypertension, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemias (40, 41).
Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, along with
limiting alcohol consumption will minimize bone loss and
reduce the risk of falls and fractures (42). For postmenopausal women ⬍ 65 years of age and at high risk of osteoporosis, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessment
of bone mineral density contributes to risk assessment. ET
for the relief of menopausal symptoms prevents bone loss
and reduces fracture risk (43). Women without VMS and
at significant risk of osteoporosis can discuss the merits of
ET for bone preservation. Recent guidelines address bonespecific therapies (43).
3.0 Hormone therapy for menopausal symptom
relief
3.1 Estrogen and progestogen therapy
3.1a For menopausal women ⬍ 60 years of age or ⬍ 10
years past menopause with bothersome VMS (with or
without additional climacteric symptoms) who do not
have contraindications or excess cardiovascular or breast
cancer risks and are willing to take MHT, we suggest initiating ET for those without a uterus and EPT for those
with a uterus. (2ⱍQQEE)

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Evidence
In postmenopausal women, ET improves menopauseassociated (climacteric) symptoms (eg, VMS, genitourinary symptoms, sleep disturbance, menopause-associated
anxiety and depressive symptoms, and arthralgias). ET
also reduces menopause-related bone loss, lowers the risk
of fragility fractures in older women, and reduces the incidence of self-reported diabetes. In addition, combined
EPT reduced the risk of colorectal cancer and, in cumulative follow-up of the WHI, endometrial cancer (38, 44).
MHT is not appropriate for all symptomatic menopausal women (Figure 2). There are no commonly recog-

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3983

nized lists of absolute or relative contraindications to
MHT as published in professional society guidelines. And
whereas US product labeling (regulated by the FDA) does
include contraindications to MHT (Table 4), caution is
also advised for women with certain additional medical
conditions (Table 4). Risk/benefit assessment is the most
important consideration, and QOL may be an important
issue in a decision to recommend MHT. Women with conditions precluding MHT (Table 4) who are unwilling to
take MHT, or at substantial risk for breast cancer or CVD,
can consider nonhormonal options for symptom relief
(Section 4.0).
Risks and benefit overview
Healthcare providers and patients should choose MHT
based on individual risks and benefits utilizing a shared
Table 4. Specific Cautions to Use of Systemic MHT or
SERMsa,b for Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms
In general, ET should not be used in women with any
of the following conditions:
Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding
Known, suspected, or history of cancer of the breast
Known or suspected estrogen-dependent neoplasia
including endometrial cancer
Active DVT, pulmonary embolism, or history of these
conditions
Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example,
stroke, MI) or a history of these conditions
Known anaphylactic reaction or angioedema in
response to any ingredient in the medicationc
Known liver impairment or disease
Known protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency,
or other known thrombophilic disordersc
Known or suspected pregnancy
Caution should also be exercised in women with:
Gallbladder disease (oral ET)
Hypertriglyceridemia (⬎400 mg/d) (oral ET)
Diabetes
Hypoparathyroidism (risk of hypocalcemia)
Benign meningioma
Intermediate or high risk of breast cancer
High risk of heart disease
Migraine with aura (oral ET)
Other conditionsd
a

Also apply to conjugated estrogens/BZA, ospemifene, and tibolone
therapies.
b
Advice not to use estrogens in the specific conditions listed is based
on FDA recommendations and package labeling in the United States.
The advice to exercise caution is based on a review of the literature
(including package labeling) and not dictums generally included in
various Menopause Society guidelines. Because these guidelines are
meant to be used internationally, it should be noted that these
considerations may vary from country to country.
c
d

Figure 2. Approach to the patient with VMS contemplating MHT.
TIA, transient ischemic attack.
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Specific to CEE ⫾ combination with BZA.

Estrogen therapy may cause an exacerbation of asthma, diabetes
mellitus, epilepsy, migraine, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus,
and hepatic hemangiomas and should be used with caution in women
with these conditions.

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J Clin Endocrinol Metab, November 2015, 100(11):3975– 4011

and 3313 in the estrogen-alone arm),
and the low event rate for MI and
stroke in this age group, such data
provide trends but few statistically
significant differences. Findings from
observational studies, case reports,
and clinical expertise, both from the
United States and other countries,
provide additional sources of evidence regarding younger postmenopausal women.
Estimations of risks and benefits
previously published in The Endocrine Society’s 2010 Scientific Statement utilized both observational
and RCT data. However, updated
outcomes from the WHI are now
available. Accordingly, the updated reanalysis of the WHI (44) is
considered by many to provide the
best available data on risks and benefits in women ages 50 to 59, but not
in those younger than age 50. The
Figure 3. Updated summary of the effects of orally administered CEE alone or combined with
2010 Statement expresses attributMPA in women ages 50 –59 years during intervention phase of WHI. One set of analyses
able (excess) benefits and risks as the
examined the risks and benefits of these agents in women ages 50 –59 years. This figure plots
number of affected women/1000 usthese data, which are expressed here as excess risks and benefits per 1000 women using MHT
for 5 years. Because women deciding to use MHT are more likely to continue this for a period of
ers/5 years of therapy, assuming that
years rather than 1 year, this figure is constructed according to that assumption. WHI studies
most women initiating MHT will
were not powered for age-related subset analyses, and none of the data presented in the figure
consider therapy for 5 years. Mainare statistically significant. Nonetheless, this figure represents the best estimates that are
available at the present time and are likely more reliable than similar estimates based on
taining this format, the risks and
observational studies as reported previously in The Endocrine Society Scientific Statement (38).
benefits (as reported in the WHI and
The HR (95% CI) values for the bars in the figure are listed here with reference to the
reflecting the specific oral therapies
alphabetical designations shown next to the bars: a, HR, 0.60 (0.35–1.04); b, HR, 1.34 (0.82–
studied) are presented in Figure 3
2.19); c, HR, 0.82 (0.50 –1.34); d, HR, 1.21 (0.81–1.80); e, HR, 0.99 (0.53–1.85); f, HR, 1.51
(0.81–2.82); g, HR, 1.53 (0.63–3.75); h, HR, 2.05 (0.89 – 4.71); i, HR, 1.66 (0.76 –3.67); j, HR,
and are not repeated in the text of
3.01 (1.36 – 6.66); k, HR, 0.71 (0.30 –1.67); l, HR, 0.79 (0.29 –2.18); m, HR, 1.00 (ns-ns); n, HR,
this guideline. These data, represent1.12 (0.45–2.75); o, HR, 0.62 (0.30 –1.29); p, HR, 0.90 (0.72–1.11); q, HR, 0.82 (0.68 –1.00); r,
ing the effects of CEE with or withHR, 5.01 (0.59 – 42.9); s, HR, 0.17 (0.02–1.45); t, HR, 0.70 (0.46 –1.09); u, HR, 0.67 (0.43–1.04);
v, HR, 0.83 (0.67–1.04); and w, HR, 0.85 (0.66 –1.09). [RJ Santen, et al: Competency in
out MPA, cannot be extrapolated to
menopause management: whither goest the internist? J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2014;23(4):
other MHT regimens. However, in
281–285, courtesy of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc].
the absence of RCTs with other specific agents, they provide the most
decision-making approach. Current recommendations conservative estimates. Notably, the baseline risk of most
suggest that the initiation of MHT should generally be adverse events is lower in younger vs older women and
limited to women ⬍ 60 years of age or ⬍ 10 years after results in lower attributable risk although relative risks
menopause onset. Accordingly, data are needed to esti- may be similar among various age groups. The converse is
mate risks and benefits in this specific population. No also true for benefits, such as fracture reduction.
adequately powered RCTs with clinical outcomes have
been specifically conducted with younger, symptomatic Benefits of MHT
women, however, and data for women ⬍ 50 years old are
limited. The best available evidence comes from subgroup
analyses of WHI data, which provide information specifically in women 50 to 59 years of age or ⬍ 10 years since
menopause onset. Because of the number of women participants ages 50 to 59 (5520 in the combined therapy arm

Vasomotor symptoms
ET is the most effective treatment for VMS and improving QOL in symptomatic women (38). In a dose-dependent manner, MHT reduces hot flash frequency by
approximately 75% and severity by 87%, compared with
50% with placebo (38, 45, 46).

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Genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Systemic estrogen administration effectively treats
VVA and improves symptoms of overactive bladder and
recurrent urinary tract infections (47, 48). With lower
doses of systemic MHT, vaginal symptoms may persist
and local therapy may be needed (Section 5).
Sleep disruption
Large placebo-controlled trials reported significantly
fewer sleep disturbances with MHT use (44), but additional data are required for definitive conclusions.

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3985

The reduction in cancer during active therapy did not persist after discontinuation (44).
Endometrial cancer. During 13 years of cumulative follow-up of the WHI, combined CEE and MPA was associated with a 35% reduction in endometrial cancer in
women ages 50 to 59 years (hazard ratio [HR], 0.65; 95%
confidence interval [CI], 0.37–1.12) (44). This finding
may be unique to the specific type, dose, and regimen
utilized.
Risks of MHT

Anxiety and depressive symptoms
Anxiety symptoms increase during the menopause
transition and are associated with an increased likelihood
of a major depressive disorder (49). ET may improve mildto-moderate depressive symptoms during or shortly after
the menopause transition, whereas antidepressant therapy remains appropriate treatment for major depression (50, 51).
Arthralgia
Joint pain or stiffness and general aches or pains were
improved in women receiving EPT (38, 44, 52). Joint pain
increased slightly after discontinuation of treatment (44).
Potential preventive benefits of menopausal hormone therapy
Although studies have suggested certain preventive
benefits, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (53) and
many expert groups (40, 54 –56) recommend against
MHT for primary or secondary disease prevention,
whereas other experts disagree (57).
Bone loss and fracture. RCTs, observational studies, and
meta-analyses consistently report reduction in bone loss
with ET (38). The updated WHI analysis reports a significant reduction in vertebral fractures and a borderline significant reduction for all fractures with EPT in women
ages 50 to 59 years (Figure 3); this effect was greater than
with ET (44). Benefit may also be dose-related (38).
Type 2 diabetes. RCTs (58 – 60) and large observational
studies (61, 62) reported that MHT reduced the prevalence of self-reported diabetes by 14 to 19% (44), an effect
that did not persist after therapy was discontinued (44).
Colorectal cancer. In clinical trials, EPT was associated
with a nonsignificant lower incidence of colorectal cancer
in women ages 50 to 59 (44). Cancers that did occur in
women receiving EPT, however, were diagnosed at a more
advanced stage when all age groups were considered (64).
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Endometrial cancer
Unopposed ET increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer (38, 65, 66), whereas concurrent progestogen therapy (Table 5) for at least 12 days per month
reduces this risk (18, 44, 67) and is recommended for all
women with a uterus. Continuous combined CEE and
MPA was associated with a reduced risk of endometrial
cancer over 13 years of cumulative follow-up (44). After
6 to 10 years, sequential regimens may be associated with
a 2-fold increased risk of endometrial cancer, particularly
in thin women (38). Micronized progesterone and dydrogesterone, in combination with estrogen, have been associated with an approximate 2-fold increase in endometrial
cancer when continued beyond 5 years in a large observational study (68). In contrast, one RCT comparing micronized progesterone with MPA (3 y) (69), a second RCT
comparing micronized progesterone with chlormadinone
acetate (18 mo) (70), and a third trial of single-tablet formulation of cyclical estradiol-dydrogesterone (2 y) (71)
each demonstrated endometrial safety. The difference in
outcome may reflect enhanced patient compliance with
progestogen therapies when formulated in combination.
Limited information is available about the safety of long
cycle intermittent use of progestogens, but concern has
been raised about increased risk of endometrial cancer
(72, 73).
The levonorgestrel intrauterine device (not approved
for a postmenopausal indication in the United States, but
widely used in other countries and, increasingly, off-label
in United States) appears effective at minimizing hyperplasia and endometrial cancer risk, especially in obese
women (74 –76).
Breast cancer
Estrogen therapy. Most, but not all, observational studies
report an increased breast cancer risk with oral or transdermal estradiol when initiated in recently menopausal
women (77–79). This increase occurs as a function of duration of ET (38, 80 – 82) with a linear trend in the largest
study (83). Insufficient numbers of patients may confound

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Table 5.

Guideline on Menopause

J Clin Endocrinol Metab, November 2015, 100(11):3975– 4011

Commonly Prescribed Hormone Therapies

Preparation

Doses

Systemic estrogen therapiesa
Oral estrogen tablets
Micronized E2
Estradiol valerateb
CEE

0.5, 1.0, 2.0 mg/d
1.5 mg/d
0.3, 0.45, 0.625 mg/d

Transdermal estrogens
Estradiol patch
Estradiol percutaneous gel

0.025 to 0.1 mg once or twice weekly
depending on preparation
0.014 mg/wk
0.25–1.5 mg qd

Estradiol transdermal spray

1.5 mg qd

Vaginal ring
Estradiol acetate
Progestogen therapies
Oral progestin tablets
Medroxyprogesterone acetate
Norethindrone
Neta
Megestrol acetate
Dydrogesteroneb
Chlormadinone acetateb
Medrogestoneb
Nomegestrol acetateb
Promegestoneb
Oral progesterone capsule
Micronized progesterone
Intrauterine system progestinc
LNorg
Vaginal gel progesteronec
Combination hormone therapies
Oral
CEE ⫹ MPA
E2 ⫹ Neta
E2 ⫹ drospirenone
E2 ⫹ norgestimate
E2 ⫹ dydrogesteroneb
E2 ⫹ cyproterone acetateb
E2 ⫹ MPAb
CEE ⫹ BZAd
Transdermal
E2 ⫹ Neta
E2 ⫹ LNorg

Comments

Higher doses available
Preparation used in WHI
Corresponds to 0.5 to 2.0 mg estradiol tablets
Diffusion can be different from one patch to another
Preserved bone in women ⬎60 y old
Corresponds to 0.5 to 2.0 mg estradiol tablets
Can be transferred to persons and pets by skin
contact
Estradiol via spray
Can be transferred to persons and pets by skin
contact

0.05– 0.10 mg/d

Systemic levels of estradiol provide relief of VMS;
90-d duration/ring

2.5, 5, 10 mg/d
0.35 mg/d
5.0 mg/d
20, 40 mg/d
10 mg/d
5, 10 mg/d
5 mg/d
3.75, 5 mg/d
0.125, 0.25, 0.5 mg/d

Utilized in WHI

100, 200 mg/d

In peanut oil; avoid if peanut allergy. May cause
drowsiness and should be taken at bedtime

20 ␮g released/d
6 ␮g/d
4%, 8%

IUD for 5-y use
IUD for 3-y use
45- or 90-mg applicator

0.3– 0.625 mg/1.5–5 mg/d
0.5–1 mg/0.1– 0.5 mg/d
0.5–1 mg/0.25–1 mg/d
1 mg/0.09 mg/d
1–2 mg/5–10 mg/d
2 mg/1 mg/d
1–2 mg/2–10 mg/d
0.45 mg/20 mg/d

Cyclic or continuous
Continuous
Continuous
Cycle 3 d E alone, 3 d E ⫹ progesterone
Cyclic and continuous
Continuous
Continuous
Continuous

50 ␮g/0.14 – 0.25 mg/patch
45 ␮g/0.015 mg/patch

Twice weekly
Once weekly

Abbreviations: IUD, intrauterine device; E, estrogen; E2, 17-␤ estradiol; LNorg, levonorgestrel; Neta, norethindrone acetate or norethisterone
acetate; qd, once daily.
a

Not all preparations and doses are available in all countries.

Only available outside the United States.

Not approved in the United States for endometrial protection when administered with postmenopausal estrogen.

Approved indications in the United States include treatment of moderate to severe VMS associated with menopause and prevention of
postmenopausal osteoporosis. In the European Union, the indications state: treatment of estrogen deficiency symptoms in postmenopausal
women with a uterus (with at least 12 mo since the last menses) for whom treatment with progestin-containing therapy is not appropriate. The
experience treating women older than 65 years is limited.

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the interpretation of these data on ET alone (ie, type II
statistical error). It is possible that in observational studies
mammographic surveillance differed between users and
nonusers of MHT. The finding of increased risk in recently
menopausal women is controversial, however. In women
in the WHI ages 50 to 59 or ⬍ 10 years after menopause
onset, CEE did not increase risk (44, 84). The statistically
significant 21% reduction of invasive breast cancer in the
13-year cumulative follow-up of all women in the estrogen-alone arm of the WHI was of similar magnitude in
each age group (44), but some analyses have suggested less
reduction or an increase in risk among women starting ET
close to menopause (77, 85).
The presence or absence of obesity confounds the interpretation of existing data. The aromatase enzyme,
which increases with obesity, results in enhanced endogenous estrogen production, which may minimize the additional effects of exogenous ET. The insulin resistance
associated with obesity also confounds the relationship
between obesity and breast cancer risk (86). Therefore,
increased breast cancer risk with ET in non-US studies
might reflect differing levels of obesity between US and
European populations. CEE and estradiol may also have
differential effects as suggested by in vitro (87) and primate (88) studies. In summary, the risk of breast cancer
from estrogen alone, taken for 5 years, appears to be small.
Combined EPT. Studies examining the effects of combined therapy report a consistent increase in breast cancer
risk (38, 89, 90). It should be noted that the original WHI
study did not report any increase overall in women who
had not previously used MHT (hormone naive), but data
on this issue are not available for women ages 50 to 59
or ⬍ 10 years postmenopausal (18, 91), and there are no
reported follow-up data for the hormone-naive women. In
women ages 50 to 59 in the WHI, the excess risk of invasive breast cancer during the intervention phase persisted
7 years after the cessation of EPT, with 4.5 excess cases/
1000 over 5 years (HR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.03–1.75) (44).
Studies have reported similar findings with most other
estrogen/progestogen combinations (38, 89, 92). However, observational data suggest that progesterone or dydrogesterone (5, 89) may be associated with a lower risk,
but further studies are required to confirm this. Observational studies also report a greater risk when EPT is started
close to menopause (79, 85, 93) and with continuous
rather than with cyclic regimens (78, 82, 94).
Lung cancer
In the 50- to 59-year age group in the WHI study, the
incidence of lung cancer was not significantly increased or
decreased in either treatment arm (44).
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Ovarian cancer
In the 50- to 59-year age group of the WHI, the HR of
ovarian cancer with EPT was 0.30 (two vs six cases; 95%
CI, 0.06 –1.47), with 1.5 fewer cases/1000 per 5 years of
treatment (44). No data have been reported for ET. A
controversial meta-analysis of 52 observational studies
(95–97) showed an increase of 0.52 cases/1000 in women
starting MHT (no difference in risk between ET and EPT)
at age 50 and continuing therapy for 5 years. Risk persisted 5 years after stopping MHT, with 0.37 cases/1000
in the same women when ages 55 to 59 (95). Of note, the
overall risk of ovarian cancer with EPT in the WHI (HR,
1.41), although not statistically significant, was comparable to findings in the meta-analysis, as was the rate in the
cumulative follow-up (HR, 1.24). Based on current data,
adequately powered RCTs are needed to fully ascertain
ovarian cancer risk in symptomatic, recently postmenopausal women.
Coronary heart disease
Estrogen therapy. The age at initiation of ET influences
risk. In the WHI, there was a trend toward a reduction in
CHD and total MI in women aged 50 to 59 years at trial
enrollment (44). Composite outcomes, including revascularization (98) and coronary artery calcium scores (99),
were lower with ET than with placebo.
Observational studies of ET suggest the potential for
CHD benefit in some women, although a number of biases
might have contributed to those conclusions (100). In
summary, ET does not increase CHD risk in women starting therapy at ages ⬍ 60 years and may possibly reduce
this risk.
Although observational studies suggest that a dermal
route of ET may carry a lower risk of MI (101, 102), a
meta-analysis reported no significant difference in CHD
outcomes between oral and transdermal MHT (4). No
associations with estrogen dose were reported (101, 102).
Combined EPT. Age at initiation of EPT does not appear
to influence the relative risk of CHD, based on the most
recent WHI data (44) and a meta-analysis (4). In women
in the WHI aged 50 to 59, there was a trend toward excess
risk of CHD, but no increased risk was apparent in
women ⬍ 10 years since menopause onset (44). These
findings and those of several recent studies have been controversial. A randomized osteoporosis trial that did not
have CHD as a predefined primary endpoint reported that
10 years of MHT treatment in women ⬍ 50 years old at
study onset was associated with the reduction of a composite safety endpoint (death, hospital admission for MI,
or heart failure) (103). This study has been criticized for its
composite index and nonblinded nature. A primary pre-

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vention RCT of recently (⬍ 3 y) postmenopausal women
ages 42 to 58 failed to detect a difference in progression of
atherosclerosis (as assessed by carotid intima-medial
thickness and coronary artery calcium determinations) after 4 years of therapy (104) but may have been underpowered to detect significant differences (ie, type II error). In
summary, EPT does not appear to be associated with an
increased risk of CHD among women close to the onset of
menopause, and if any risk elevation is present in women
younger than 60 years, its magnitude is small. A definitive
conclusion regarding CHD risk requires an appropriately
powered RCT.
Stroke
Researchers reported a nonsignificant trend toward an
increase in stroke risk with EPT in women ages 50 to 59
in the WHI (44) but did not report an adverse effect with
ET. When examined by years since menopause, ET increased stroke risk in women ⬍ 10 years since menopause
(6.5 women/1000 over 5 y) (44). The differences between
these two groups might reflect the difficulty in establishing
time of menopause in women with a hysterectomy.
No RCTs have evaluated stroke risk according to estrogen type, dose, or route of administration. Some observational studies suggest that transdermal estradiol in
doses ⱕ 50 ␮g may confer a lower risk compared with
higher dose transdermal or oral therapies (4, 105). Other
studies are conflicting regarding effects of estrogen type
(102, 106) and dose (101, 105, 107). In summary, MHT
may confer a small risk of stroke.
Venous thromboembolic events
Estrogen therapy. RCTs demonstrate that oral ET increases VTE risk in women ages 50 to 59 (44). These data
are supported by observational studies (106, 108, 109).
Risk declined after discontinuing therapy (44). Observational studies (108 –112) and meta-analyses (4, 113) suggest that transdermal ET does not increase VTE risk, even
in women with thrombophilia or obesity (114 –117). In an
observational study, oral CEE was associated with a
2-fold increase in VTE compared with oral estradiol (106).
Combined EPT. The WHI trial found an association between EPT and both DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE)
in women ages 50 to 59 (44). Risks resolved when therapy
was discontinued. Observational studies suggest that formulations containing MPA and normethytestosterone derivatives appear to be associated with greater risk than
other progestogens (108, 109, 111). A recent meta-analysis comparing ET and EPT did not report any statistically
significant differences in risk (4).

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Gallbladder disease
No data are available specifically for women ages 50 to
59; conclusions regarding gallbladder disease rely on overall findings of the WHI. ET resulted in 29 excess cases/
1000 women over 5 years (44). This risk did not persist
after discontinuation (44, 118). With EPT, the excess risk
was 23 women/1000 (44), similar to another trial (119).
Risk persisted at least 5 years after cessation of EPT (44,
120). Observational studies report increased risk with
oral, but not transdermal, estradiol (121, 122) and increased dose and duration (120, 123).
Incontinence
Stress urinary incontinence, urge urinary incontinence,
and mixed urinary incontinence increase in women taking
oral ET and EPT (124, 125). An increased risk may persist
after discontinuation (44).
Uncertain benefits of hormone therapy
Mortality
A meta-analysis of RCTs demonstrated no significant
effect on all-cause mortality with MHT use, but these data
included women ⬍ and ⬎ 60 years of age (5). A recent
Cochrane collaboration review reported a 30% relative
risk reduction (HR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52– 0.95) of all-cause
mortality in women starting MHT ⬍ 10 years since menopause (or ⬍ age 60) (127). Comparison of the ET and EPT
groups in the WHI suggested a stronger trend by age group
among those on ET, with a statistically significant trend by
age in the ET trial but not in the EPT trial (44). Observational studies (128 –130) reported a reduction in mortality
with MHT, as did one small RCT with composite endpoints (103). This is consistent with meta-analyses that
reported a 30 – 40% mortality reduction (131, 132). In
summary, further data are required for definitive conclusions about mortality in younger women.
Dementia
Observational studies suggest a possible benefit of
MHT if started in younger women closer to menopause
(133), as opposed to the detrimental effects reported in
clinical trials when MHT is initiated in women ⬎ 65 years
old (134). Some studies of postmenopausal women treated
with estradiol reported an improvement in verbal memory
and executive function (135–138), whereas other studies
did not associate CEE therapy with cognitive improvement (139, 140). Definitive conclusions about MHT in
women ⬍ age 60, therefore, are lacking.
Individual baseline risk assessment and therapeutic
decisions
Evaluating risk facilitates individual counseling and decisions regarding MHT for symptom relief (Figure 2).

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However, no clinical trial evidence is available to support
the practice of incorporating risk assessment instruments for quantifying cardiovascular (CHD, stroke,
and VTE) and breast cancer risks among women considering MHT. Nevertheless, we feel that risk assessment instruments are useful to facilitate decision-making regarding MHT.
Cardiovascular risk
3.1b For women ⬍ age 60 or ⬍ 10 years past menopause onset considering MHT for menopausal symptom
relief, we suggest evaluating the baseline risk of CVD and
taking this risk into consideration when advising for or
against MHT and when selecting type, dose, and route of
administration. (2ⱍQQEE)
3.1c For women at high risk of CVD, we suggest initiating nonhormonal therapies to alleviate bothersome
VMS (with or without climacteric symptoms) over MHT.
(2ⱍQQEE)
Technical remarks
High risk includes known MI, cerebrovascular disease,
and peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and 10year CVD risk ⬎ 10% (40).
3.1d For women with moderate risk of CVD, we suggest transdermal estradiol as first-line treatment, alone for
women without a uterus or combined with micronized
progesterone (or another progestogen that does not adversely modify metabolic parameters) for women with a
uterus because these preparations have less untoward effect on blood pressure, triglycerides, and carbohydrate
metabolism. (2ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
Cardiovascular risk
Results showing fewer excess CHD and stroke events
when MHT was initiated in younger rather than older
study participants in the WHI (141) provide the foundation for the widely accepted consensus that MHT should
be initiated primarily in younger women (age ⬍ 60 y) close
in time (⬍ 10 y) to menopause onset, when women likely
have less baseline atherosclerosis (19, 20). The population
prevalence of obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes continues to increase. Accordingly, baseline CVD
risk evaluation is important in women considering MHT.
As reviewed in recent statements, CHD and stroke are
associated with a wide range of risk factors, many unique
to women (40, 41). Notably, a prior history of CHD conveys the highest risk of subsequent MI and stroke (142).
We feel that methods to integrate these factors to categorize individual risk as minimal, moderate, and high are
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useful and can be accomplished qualitatively by clinical
judgment or quantitatively by risk assessment tools.
Country- and population-specific CVD risk calculators
are available to quantify individual risk per local guidelines (143). However, specific cutoffs for the safe use of
MHT have not been formally validated, and practice differs from country to country.
The Menopause Decision-Support Algorithm (63)
starts with calculating the American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) 10-year
CVD risk (144), then stratifies by years since menopause
to suggest appropriateness of MHT (Table 6) (63). For a
woman at intermediate risk, family history, coronary artery calcium score, C-reactive protein, and ankle-brachial
index can further stratify risk (144); inflammatory markers and lipid ratios predict treatment-related CHD events
(145).
Metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is
associated with higher risk of cardiovascular events and
breast and colon cancers (146). In a nested case-control
study in the WHI, women with MetS at baseline were
twice as likely to have CHD events while taking oral MHT
as with placebo (147). In contrast, women without MetS
had no increase in CHD risk on MHT. Transdermal estradiol with micronized progesterone might have less deleterious metabolic effects than oral therapies, but there are
no RCTs that have evaluated the safety of these preparations in women with MetS.
Diabetes. Diabetes is considered by the AHA to be a CHD
risk equivalent (40), which would suggest that women
with diabetes should not take MHT. However, clinical
trial evidence of CVD outcomes associated with MHT in
women with diabetes is mostly lacking. Some diabetic
women were included in RCTs (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study [19%]; WHI [4.4 –7.7%]), but
these trials were not powered to assess differences in CVD
Table 6. Evaluating CVD Risk in Women
Contemplating MHT
Years Since Menopause Onset
10-y CVD Risk

<5 y

6 to 10 y

Low (⬍5%)
Moderate (5–10%)

MHT ok
MHT ok (choose
transdermal)
Avoid MHT

High (⬎10%)a

CVD risk calculated by ACC/AHA Cardiovascular Risk Calculator (144).
Methods to calculate risk and risk stratification vary among countries.
Derived from J. E. Manson: Current recommendations: what is the
clinician to do? Fertil Steril. 2014;101:916 –921 (63), with permission.
© Elsevier Inc.
a

High risk includes known MI, stroke, peripheral artery disease, etc.

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outcomes. A few short-term RCTs have evaluated glucose
control in diabetic women taking a variety of MHT preparations and showed either no effect or improved control
(148). The evidence at this time is inadequate to make firm
recommendations. An individualized approach to treating
menopausal symptoms could be considered, with a low
threshold to recommend nonhormonal therapies, particularly in women with concurrent CVD. However, some
diabetic women, after careful evaluation of cardiovascular
risk, may be candidates for MHT, preferably transdermal
estrogen and micronized progesterone or another less metabolically active progestogen.
Venous thromboembolic events
3.1e For women at increased risk of VTE who request
MHT, we recommend a nonoral route of ET at the lowest
effective dose, if not contraindicated (1ⱍQQEE); for
women with a uterus, we recommend a progestogen (for
example, progesterone and dydrogestone) that is neutral
on coagulation parameters. (1ⱍQQQE)
Evidence
Obesity, age, and thrombophilia are associated with
increased risk of VTE. An approximately 2-fold increased
risk of VTE (both DVT and PE) with oral MHT is similar
among women at low, intermediate, or high risk (149,
150). Accordingly, the attributable risk of MHT will be
higher in those at high or intermediate baseline risk.
A prior history of VTE confers the highest risk. If the
patient has a known inherited coagulation defect, such as
Factor V Leiden, oral ET or EPT should be avoided because research has shown a high risk of VTE recurrence
(114). A history of VTE due to pregnancy, oral contraceptives, unknown etiology, or blood clotting disorders
poses a contraindication to any ET, whereas VTE due to
past immobility, surgery, or bone fracture would be a contraindication to oral but not necessarily transdermal MHT
(151). In some countries, a history of any VTE is a contraindication to oral but not low-dose transdermal ET.
Breast cancer
3.1f For women considering MHT for menopausal
symptom relief, we suggest evaluating the baseline risk of
breast cancer and taking this risk into consideration when
advising for or against MHT and when selecting type,
dose, and route of administration. (2ⱍQQEE)
3.1g For women at high or intermediate risk of breast
cancer considering MHT for menopausal symptom relief,
we suggest nonhormonal therapies over MHT to alleviate
bothersome VMS. (2ⱍQQEE)

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Technical remarks
High or intermediate risk includes calculated level of
risk that would qualify for risk-reducing medications.
Evidence
There are no established clear criteria for recommending (or avoiding) MHT based on a woman’s risk of breast
cancer. Nonsignificant trends from the WHI suggest that
the relative risk of breast cancer in association with MHT
remains stable or increases in the 5-year Gail model breast
risk categories of ⬍ 1.25 vs ⱖ 1.75. On this basis, the
excess or attributable risk should increase in women at
higher categories of risk (90, 152). As another consideration, it seems prudent not to recommend MHT for
women whose risk meets the criteria for breast cancer
prevention with SERMs or aromatase inhibitors. The U.S.
Preventive Services 2013 Task Force recommends that
women with a 5-year risk of ⱖ 3% should be considered
for preventive therapy with tamoxifen or raloxifene (126),
whereas the American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines suggest discussing such therapy in women with a risk
of ⱖ 1.67% (153), consistent with enrollment criteria of
breast cancer prevention trials. Prevention recommendations differ outside the United States. Another consideration is to take into account the data suggesting that breast
cancer risk is associated with combined estrogen/progestogen use, but less so, if at all, with CEE alone.
We suggest one potential algorithm for MHT counseling, extrapolated from breast cancer prevention trial enrollment criteria (Table 7); however, it is not validated in
clinical trials or widely utilized. This algorithm requires
the assessment of breast cancer risk, which can be accomplished by qualitative methods or preferably with readily
available quantitative risk assessment tools. The National
Cancer Institute Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool proTable 7. Breast Cancer Risk Cutoffs for Counseling
Before Recommending MHTa
Risk
Categorya

5-y NCI or IBIS Breast Cancer
Risk Assessment, %

Suggested
Approach

Low
Intermediate
High

⬍1.67
1.67–5
⬎5

MHT ok
Cautionb
Avoid

Abbreviations: IBIS, International Breast Intervention Study; NCI,
National Cancer Institute.
a

Categories here are newly defined for these guidelines and based on
recommendations published for use of antiestrogens for breast cancer
prevention (126, 153, 322, 323). The assumption is that candidates for
breast cancer prevention with antiestrogens should not be candidates
for initiating MHT. Method to calculate risk varies among countries.
b
Caution indicates need for detailed counseling regarding anticipated
benefits and risks of MHT with strong consideration of nonhormonal
therapies for symptom relief, and possible consideration of
chemopreventive strategies for women who meet suggested criteria.

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vides a standardized online risk calculator for 5-year risk
of invasive breast cancer (154). The International Breast
Intervention Study calculator predicts 10-year and lifetime risk (155, 156). For women with strong family histories of breast cancer, several other methods are available
(155). Although these provide useful predictive information, all are limited by only moderate discriminatory accuracy (155). Mammographic breast density, when added
to these methods, may emerge as an important objective
risk for women contemplating MHT (157–159).
Although a history of breast cancer is considered by
most to be a contraindication to MHT, the severity of
menopausal symptoms, the compromise in QOL experienced by breast cancer survivors, and limitations of nonhormonal therapies for relief of VMS present a persistent
clinical challenge. As recently summarized, it is not possible from currently available studies to draw firm conclusions regarding the risks of MHT in this population
(38), but adding estrogen seems counterintuitive when
current breast cancer therapies interrupt or decrease estrogen levels. Future studies taking into account estrogen
receptor status, time since diagnosis and therapy, mastectomy status, and risks for breast cancer recurrence might
better inform decision-making.
Tailoring menopausal hormone therapy
3.1h We suggest a shared decision-making approach to
decide about the choice of formulation, starting dose, the
route of administration of MHT, and how to tailor MHT
to each woman’s individual situation, risks, and treatment
goals. (Ungraded best practice statement)
Clinicians prescribe estrogen alone for women without
a uterus. Starting dosages are generally lower than those in
the WHI (Table 5), and the overarching principle is to use
the lowest effective dose with upward titration based on
clinical response. Clinicians usually do not measure estradiol levels to monitor therapy except when symptoms do
not improve with escalating doses, particularly after
changing the mode of administration from oral to transdermal. For younger women with surgical menopause or
those with POI who are accustomed to higher baseline
endogenous estradiol levels, clinicians often prescribe
higher starting doses of ET (eg, transdermal estradiol, 100
␮g), and then slowly lower the dose as tolerated. When
women with premature menopause approach the age of
natural menopause, the reassessment and tapering of
MHT dose seems reasonable.
Estrogen preparations
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dependent fashion. CEE, derived from pregnant mares’
urine and used for decades, contain more than 200 compounds with varying estrogenic potency (160). Oral micronized estradiol and other oral estrogen preparations
may result in up to 5-fold higher levels of circulating estrone and 10- to 20-fold higher estrone sulfate than transdermally administered estradiol at comparable or even
higher doses. The biological effects of these estrone and
estrone-sulfate increments are unknown (161–163).
Cutaneous and transdermal estradiol. Cutaneous and
transdermal estradiol, administered via percutaneous gels,
sprays, emulsions, or transdermal patches, have a similar
efficacy as oral ET in reducing climacteric symptoms and
are easily tailored to the individual (164, 165). The primary advantage of transdermal ET is to alleviate the firstpass hepatic metabolic effect (166) of oral estrogens resulting in a procoagulant effect and increases in SHBG,
thyroid-binding globulin, cortisol-binding globulin (167,
168), triglycerides, and markers of inflammation such as
C-reactive protein (167, 169).
Transdermal therapies, at low doses, are preferable for
women with a VTE risk, as evidenced by a recent metaanalysis commissioned for these guidelines (4), and they
may also be preferable in patients with hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, obesity, MetS, diabetes, or a history of
gallbladder disease. Clinicians should keep in mind that
there are no existing head-to-head RCTs with clinical outcomes that compare transdermal with oral therapies.
Vaginal delivery of systemic estrogens. Estradiol acetate
vaginal rings, delivering 50 or 100 ␮g of estradiol daily
(Table 5), provide consistent systemic estradiol levels for
3 months per ring insertion. They are indicated for treatment of moderate to severe VMS and VVA due to menopause (170, 171). High-dose vaginal creams containing
estradiol or CEE (ie, 1–2 g) also result in systemic estrogen
levels. Concomitant progestogen is needed with these
preparations to abrogate endometrial stimulation. We discuss low-dose vaginal ETs for the specific treatment of
GSM in Section 5.0.
Progestogen administration
In women with a uterus, a progestogen must be added
to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. The various formulations (Table 5) are administered in two regimens. The combined sequential regimen includes estrogen for 20 to 25 days and a progestogen for 12 to 15 days
each month. This approach is preferred for recently menopausal woman who are prone to breakthrough bleeding
during the first year or two of therapy. The combined
continuous regimen utilizes both an estrogen and pro-

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gestogen daily on a continuous basis. Clinicians can
administer progestogen orally, transdermally by patch,
vaginally, or by intrauterine administration (172). The
levonorgestrel intrauterine device minimizes systemic
progestogen absorption, but increased blood levels do occur, and one observational study reported higher breast
cancer incidence (173).
Progestogen alone. For those who do not tolerate ET, progestogens can relieve VMS. In RCTs, oral synthetic progestogens (Table 5) (174, 175) and micronized progesterone (176) were effective. Clinical outcome trials are
lacking in women with breast cancer; thus, progestogen
therapy is best avoided, except under limited circumstances in these patients, because the effect on recurrence
is unclear (80).
Custom-compounded hormones
3.1i We recommend using MHT preparations approved by the FDA and comparable regulating bodies outside the United States and recommend against the use of
custom-compounded hormones. (Ungraded best practice
statement)
Evidence
A number of FDA-approved hormonal therapies are
“biochemically identical” to endogenous estradiol and
progesterone and are preferred to custom-compounded
options. Custom-compounded hormone therapies have
become increasingly popular but are not recommended
because the manufacturing process lacks FDA oversight
(177). Clinical trials documenting the efficacy and safety
of compounded progesterone for endometrial protection
are lacking. Proponents of custom-compounded hormone
therapies often advise measuring salivary hormone levels
to monitor therapy. However, scientific evidence is lacking to justify salivary measurements due to inter- and intra-assay variability, variable salivary flow rates dependent upon hydration, food intake, and other factors, and
the inability to predict the pharmacokinetics of a customcompounded hormone dose in a manner that would allow
for valid salivary sampling.
3.2 Conjugated equine estrogens with bazedoxifene
3.2 For symptomatic postmenopausal women with a
uterus and without contraindications, we suggest the combination of CEE/BZA (where available) as an option for
relief of VMS and prevention of bone loss. (2ⱍQQQE)
Evidence
The combination of CEE with the SERM/BZA (available in the United States and licensed in the European
Union) relieves VMS and vaginal atrophy and reduces

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bone resorption in women with a uterus; it provides an
alternative to progestogen therapy for women averse to
vaginal bleeding, breast tenderness, or altered mood. A
series of RCTs up to 2 years in duration evaluated effects
of CEE/BZA (0.45 mg/20 mg, the approved dose) compared with MHT (CEE 0.45 mg/MPA 1.5 mg) (178 –180).
Benefits
Vasomotor symptoms. The number and severity of moderate-to-severe VMS were significantly decreased at 12
weeks; hot flash frequency was reduced by 74% compared
with 51% for placebo, and hot flash severity was reduced
up to 54%. Hot flash reduction was sustained at 12
months (P ⬍ .05) (181).
Bone loss. Bone loss at the lumbar spine and hip was prevented in postmenopausal women at risk for osteoporosis
(182), as reflected by reduction of serum bone turnover
markers and enhancement of bone mineral density vs placebo (180, 181). At 12 months, CEE/BZA was less effective at the lumbar spine than CEE/MPA (180). Fracture
data are lacking.
Vaginal effects. Treating postmenopausal women ages 40
to 65 with VVA at baseline (183) improved vaginal maturation at 12 weeks (181). Women reported a lower incidence of dyspareunia.
Quality of life. Secondary endpoints included improvements in sleep, health-related QOL, and improved treatment satisfaction (184, 185). In RCTs, both CEE/BZA and
CEE/MPA improved sleep disturbance and time to fall
asleep (185).
Safety considerations
Breast. The incidence of breast pain and tenderness was
similar for CEE/BZA and placebo (185–187) and was less
than with CEE/MPA. After 1 year of therapy with CEE/
BZA, mammographic breast density was not appreciably
different than with placebo, whereas it increased with
CEE/MPA (184). In trials up to 2 years, the rates of breast
cancer (reported as adverse events, not clinical outcomes)
were not sufficient to assess risk or benefit (186, 187).
Endometrium. Cumulative amenorrhea rates for CEE/
BZA were comparable with placebo and greater than for
CEE/MPA (188). At 2 years, the incidence of neither endometrial hyperplasia nor endometrial cancer was increased (180, 189).
Potential risks
Adverse events. Although an osteoporosis trial found a
2-fold risk of VTE with BZA 20-mg therapy alone (190),

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there was no additive effect on VTE when BZA was combined with CEE, although adequately powered studies are
necessary (181). In trials of up to 2 years in women ages 40
to 65, rates of cardiovascular events, cancers (breast, endometrial, ovarian), and mortality were similar to placebo
(191), but studies were underpowered to draw firm conclusions regarding these endpoints.

creased; however, the risk of colon cancer was decreased
(199, 201). An RCT of women with a history of breast
cancer, after a median follow-up of 3.1 years, reported a
higher rate of breast cancer recurrence with tibolone (HR,
1.40; 95% CI, 1.14 –1.70) (203). The study reported the
greatest increase for women taking an aromatase inhibitor
(HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.01–5.79).

3.3 Tibolone
3.3a For women with bothersome VMS and climacteric
symptoms and without contraindications, we suggest tibolone (in countries where available) as an alternative to
MHT. (2ⱍQQEE)
3.3b We recommend against adding tibolone to other
forms of MHT. (1ⱍQQEE)
3.3c We recommend against using tibolone in women
with a history of breast cancer. (1ⱍQQEE)

3.4 Clinical management of patients taking hormone
therapies

Evidence
Tibolone belongs to the group of normethyltestosterone progestogen derivatives and has metabolites that exhibit estrogenic, progestogenic, and androgenic effects
(192). This agent (193) is available in many countries outside of the United States at doses of 1.25–2.5 mg/d.

Monitoring during therapy
3.4a For women with persistent unscheduled bleeding
while taking MHT, we recommend evaluation to rule out
pelvic pathology, most importantly, endometrial hyperplasia and cancer. (1ⱍQQQE)
3.4b We recommend informing women about the possible increased risk of breast cancer during and after discontinuing EPT and emphasizing the importance of adhering to age-appropriate breast cancer screening.
(1ⱍQQQE)

Benefits
Menopausal symptoms. Tibolone alleviates VMS with
equivalent or lesser potency than conventional MHT. Tibolone also improves sleep, mood, and urogenital atrophy
and may improve libido (194 –197).

Technical remarks
Regular clinical follow-up, initially, within 1 to 3
months after starting MHT, and then every 6 to 12
months, depending upon the individual (and health care
system), allows for monitoring efficacy and side effects
(abdominal/pelvic pain, mastalgia, metrorrhagia, weight
gain, mood changes, blood pressure), and if necessary,
making treatment adjustments (Table 8).

Bone loss and fracture. Tibolone prevents postmenopausal bone loss and osteoporotic fractures in women
with osteoporosis (198, 199), but is not approved for this
purpose because of the increased risk of stroke in older
women with osteoporosis initiating therapy at ages ⱖ 60
years (199).

Duration of therapy
3.4c We suggest that the decision to continue MHT be
revisited at least annually, targeting the shortest total duration of MHT consistent with the treatment goals and
evolving risk assessment of the individual woman. (Ungraded best practice statement)

Possible risks
Endometrium. There is no endometrial thickening (197)
or increase in myoma with tibolone (200). A Cochrane
analysis concluded that there was no clear evidence of
endometrial cancer with tibolone therapy (seven RCTs,
n ⫽ 8152; odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI, 0.73–5.32) (194).

Technical remarks
Most published recommendations suggest using MHT
for the shortest duration possible, but strong evidence is
lacking to support this recommendation. Current proposed limits on duration of therapy are informed by large
intervention trials (5 to 7 y) with extended follow-up for
13 years (44). Regarding duration of use, these data suggest that risk rates for breast cancer and CVD increase
with age and time since menopause, although the risks
with ET appear to be less than with EPT. Ovarian cancer
risk may also increase relative to duration of MHT (95).
We conclude, and guidelines from other societies concur,
that clinicians and patients should reassess MHT continuation yearly and discuss the risks (and individual benefits) beyond 5 years (55, 56). Patients likely to consider

Thrombosis and CVD. In an observational study (110),
tibolone did not increase the risk of thrombosis. In an RCT
of older women with osteoporosis, tibolone increased
stroke (199).
Breast and colon cancers. The incidence of breast tenderness is low (around 3%), (201, 202), and neither mammographic density nor invasive breast cancer was inDownloaded from https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-abstract/100/11/3975/2836060
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Table 8.

Guideline on Menopause

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Clinical Caveats During Treatment With MHT

Symptom/Condition When MHT
Started
Persistent, intolerable VMS
Hot flashes that persist after treatment
adjustment
Bleeding: approach depends on time since
menopause, MHT regimen, duration of
therapy, duration and character of
bleeding

Breast tenderness

Baseline TG level ⬎200 mg/dL

Hypothyroid on thyroid replacement

Approach to Resolution
Switch mode of administration or adjust dose of estrogen and/or progestogen.
Consider another etiology of flashes (Table 2).
Ensure absorption: if transdermal, consider serum estradiol determination.
Sequential regimen may be more appropriate for recently menopausal (⬍2 y),
because unscheduled bleeding with continuous combined MHT can be
problematic.
Persistent irregular bleeding (⬎6 mo) should be evaluated for endometrial
pathology; if obese, diabetic, or having family history for endometrial cancer,
evaluate sooner.
Atrophic endometrium in women more remote from menopause may respond
to increased estrogen dose if otherwise appropriate.
Usually responds to a reduction in estrogen dose or change in progestogen
preparation.
CEE/BZA may improve symptoms.
Changing to tibolone may be helpful in women who develop mastalgia on
conventional MHT.
Review family history and seek contributing factors.
Transdermal ET is preferred.
If oral estrogen is selected, monitor serum TG levels 2 wk after starting
therapy.
Monitor TSH 6 to 12 wk after starting oral MHT; T4 dose may need to be
increased (209).

Abbreviation: TG, triglycerides.

continuing therapy include those who fail an attempt to
stop EPT, who are at high risk for fracture, or for whom
alternative therapies are not appropriate.
3.4d For young women with POI, premature, or early
menopause, without contraindications, we suggest taking
MHT until the time of anticipated natural menopause,
when the advisability of continuing MHT can be reassessed. (2ⱍQQEE)
Stopping considerations
3.4e For women preparing to discontinue MHT, we
suggest a shared decision-making approach to elicit individual preference about adopting a gradual taper vs
abrupt discontinuation. (2ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
A number of studies have compared methods (ie, taper
protocols vs abrupt cessation) to facilitate the discontinuation of MHT (204 –207) and have detected no differences.
Therefore, the approach to discontinuation is an individual
choice. Anecdotally, some women find that a very low dose
of ET maintains adequate symptom relief and well-being and
prefer that to complete discontinuation.
Menopausal symptoms and joint pain can recur when
MHT is discontinued (44). Depending on the severity of
the symptoms, women may elect to restart MHT, perhaps
at a lower dose, or seek relief with nonhormonal therapies.
Accelerated bone loss was reported after the discontinuation of MHT, whereas in contrast, bone density is stable

for some years after discontinuing bisphosphonate therapy. Bisphosphonates, however, remain in bone indefinitely, and most expert groups do not recommend initiating bisphosphonate therapy for osteoporosis prevention
in women aged 50 to 59. Adverse effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical femur fractures, while rare,
increase with the duration of therapy. Furthermore, as
opposed to reports from observational studies (208), in
the long-term follow-up of the WHI, hip fracture rates did
not increase during 5 to 7 years of observation after MHT
was discontinued (44). Breast cancer risk after 5 years of
EPT in the WHI persisted 7 years after discontinuation. A
large meta-analysis of observational studies found a persistent risk of ovarian cancer up to a decade after discontinuing MHT (95). Urinary incontinence persisted after
oral MHT was discontinued; however, the percentage of
affected women was approximately one-third less than
during active treatment (44). MHT discontinuation may
result in symptoms of VVA (Section 5.0), and when oral
therapy is discontinued, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides,
calcium, and TSH (209) levels may change.
4.0 Nonhormonal therapies for VMS
4.0 For postmenopausal women with mild or less bothersome hot flashes, we suggest a series of steps that do not
involve medication, such as turning down the thermostat,
dressing in layers, avoiding alcohol and spicy foods, and
reducing obesity and stress. (2ⱍQQEE)

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Evidence
As hot flashes result from alterations of the thermoregulatory neutral zone, shedding layers of clothing, using
fans, keeping the bedroom cool (30), avoiding alcohol and
spicy foods, and reducing stress may be effective. Being
overweight or obese is a risk factor for VMS (26, 210,
211), and weight loss may reduce hot flash frequency
(212, 214).
4.1 Nonhormonal prescription therapies for VMS
4.1a For women seeking pharmacological management
for moderate to severe VMS for whom MHT is contraindicated, or who choose not to take MHT, we recommend
SSRIs/SNRIs or gabapentin or pregabalin (if there are no
contraindications). (1ⱍQQQE)
Evidence
The interpretation of hot flash efficacy studies requires
an appreciation of an important confounding factor.
There is a strong, consistently reported placebo effect,
which averages 30% (range, 4 –57%; Figure 4) and occurs
more often in women with high anxiety and stress scores
(215–220). Clinical trials of paroxetine, venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, citalopram, and escitalopram demonstrate
statistically significant efficacy with a reduction of frequency of hot flashes ranging from 25 to 69% (Figure 4).
The composite score of hot flash frequency and severity is
reduced by 27– 61%. Other agents such as sertraline and
fluoxetine are associated with non-statistically significant
trends toward the reduction of hot flashes and inconsistent
results (221–223).
Meta-analyses and a Cochrane review concluded that
SSRIs and SNRIs exert mild-to-moderate effects to reduce
hot flashes in women with a history of breast cancer (217,
224 –227). Each of these agents appears to have similar
efficacy in breast cancer survivors as in healthy menopausal women, although studies are small (213, 217, 228 –
234). Caution is advised in the use of paroxetine in patients taking tamoxifen because paroxetine markedly
interferes with the metabolism of tamoxifen to its metabolite, endoxifen (221, 222, 224, 235–237).
The only FDA-approved agent in this class is low-dose
paroxetine mesylate, but others have been used off-label in
the United States. No direct trials are available to determine the relative efficacy of one over another. We describe
suggested daily doses, efficacy, side effects, and contraindications in Figure 4. In general, the evidence suggests that
these agents are effective and well tolerated.
Gabapentin
Four RCTs confirmed moderate efficacy in relieving
hot flashes (238 –241). On the basis of clinical experience,
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women whose hot flashes occur primarily at night respond
well to a single bedtime dose. Individual dose requirements vary widely, as determined by empiric dose escalation, and range from 300 to 1200 mg. Gabapentin effects
as a sedative and a reducer of vasomotor instability work
well together when used at bedtime because sedating side
effects dissipate by morning. However, when used during
the day, gabapentin may result in a level of lethargy that
is not tolerable.
Pregabalin
In one 6-week RCT, pregabalin (75–150 mg twice
daily) decreased mean hot flash scores by 65 and 71%,
compared with 50% by placebo (242), and was reasonably well tolerated.
Choice of SSRI/SNRI vs gabapentin/pregabalin
A randomized, crossover, multicenter trial that compared recommended doses of venlafaxine vs gabapentin,
300 mg three times a day (243), reported that both agents
reduced hot flash scores by 66%, but two-thirds of patients preferred venlafaxine over gabapentin. The quality
of this comparative evidence is low due to imprecision.
Relative efficacy of nonhormonal prescription therapies vs estrogens
A limited number of head-to-head RCTs have compared varying estrogen doses, preparations, and routes of
administration with nonhormonal agents (213, 240, 244).
None of the RCTs established statistically significant superiority of one treatment regimen over another. However, when these and other published data are taken into
account (213, 217, 236, 245), the limited evidence available suggests that standard-dose MHT is more effective
than nonhormonal agents.
4.1b For those women seeking relief of moderate to
severe VMS who are not responding to or tolerating the
nonhormonal prescription therapies SSRIs/SNRIs or gabapentin or pregabalin, we suggest a trial of clonidine (if
there are no contraindications). (2ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
Clonidine
Several RCTs demonstrated that this ␣-2-adrenergic
receptor agonist reduced hot flashes, but less effectively
than the SSRI/SNRIs, gabapentin, and pregabalin, and
with more side effects (Figure 4) (217, 236). Clonidine
transdermal patches are preferred over tablets because of
more stable blood levels.
4.2 OTC and alternative nonhormonal therapies for
VMS
4.2 For women seeking relief of VMS with OTC or complementary medicine therapies, we suggest counseling re-

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Figure 4. Hot flash frequency and composite score with nonhormonal prescription therapies for relief of VMS. Upper panel, Effect on frequency
of VMS; lower panel, effect on composite score (severity times frequency; best representation of effect); open bars, placebo; colored bars,
therapies; length of bars, ranges in studies; horizontal bar, means. All of these agents are generally well tolerated (226). Hypersensitivity or prior
adverse drug reactions to each of these agents represent contraindications. For the SSRI/SNRIs, prior neuroleptic syndrome, serotonin syndrome,
and concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors are also contraindications. SSRI/SNRIs should be used with caution in patients with bipolar
disease, uncontrolled seizures, hepatic or renal insufficiency, uncontrolled hyponatremia, concurrent use of other SSRI/SNRIs, or poorly controlled
hypertension. These agents uncommonly induce suicidal thoughts within the first few months of treatment. Preliminary evidence suggests a
possible increase in risk of bone fracture. Gabapentin and pregabalin may increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors, cause drowsiness or dizziness,
and impair balance and coordination. Pregabalin may impair memory and concentration. Clonidine is contraindicated in patients with low blood
pressure and may cause lightheadedness, hypotension, headache, and constipation; sudden cessation of treatment can be associated with
significant increments in blood pressure (63).

garding the lack of consistent evidence for benefit for botanicals, black cohosh, omega-3 fatty acids, red clover, vitamin
E, and mind/body alternatives including anxiety control,
acupuncture, paced breathing, and hypnosis. (2ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
Clinical trials with these agents have reported inconsistent efficacy over placebo, but individual patients

may experience benefit (Table 9). The MSFLASH trial
showed that omega-3 fatty acids do not improve VMS
(246). In a randomized trial of 187 symptomatic menopausal women, clinical hypnosis was associated with a
74.2% reduction in hot flashes compared with a 17.1%
reduction in women randomized to structured attention
control (P ⬍ .001) (247). The phytoestrogens are nonsteroidal compounds that have both estrogenic and anti-

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Table 9.
Agents

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Alternative Therapies for Treatment of VMS
Comments

Refs.

Agents with inconsistent reports of benefit
Genistein
Purified isoflavone
⫾Estrogenically active
Breast safety not established
Daidzein
Purified isoflavone
⫾Estrogenically active
Breast safety not established
S-equol
Metabolite of daidzein
Nonpurified isoflavones
Breast safety not established
Flaxseed
Red clover
Breast safety not established
High-dose extracted or synthesized
phytoestrogen
Dietary soy
Agreement about breast safety
Vitamin E
10% benefit in some studies
Reports with predominantly no benefit
Black cohosh
Some short-term trials report benefit, most report no
benefit
Breast safety not established
Reports of liver toxicity
Omega-3 fatty acids
No benefit in MSFLASH trial
Acupuncture
Not effective when compared to “sham acupuncture”
controls
Exercise
Exercise with sweating may increase hot flashes
Other complementary approaches
Ginseng, dong quai, wild yam, progesterone creams,
traditional Chinese herbs, reflexology, magnetic devices
Agents requiring further study
Stellate ganglion block
Need further RCTs to establish lack of complications
Guided relaxation
Stress management, deep breathing, paced respiration,
guided imagery, mindfulness training
Hypnosis
Recent studies suggest efficacy
Cognitive behavior modification
Recent studies suggest efficacy with trained practitioners

estrogenic properties. Caution is advised because some of
these agents, when consumed as supplements, can exert
estrogenic effects, a concern in breast cancer survivors although dietary soy appears to have no adverse effects on
breast cancer prognosis (248).
5.0 Treatment of genitourinary syndrome of
menopause
5.1 Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants
5.1a For postmenopausal women with symptoms of
VVA, we suggest a trial of vaginal moisturizers to be used
at least twice weekly. (2ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
Vaginal moisturizers (eg, polycarbophil-based moisturizer, hyaluronic acid-based preparations, and a pectinbased preparation), when used regularly (at least twice
weekly), may provide an effective nonhormonal approach
to alleviating symptoms of vaginal atrophy. However,
studies have been small, mostly open-labeled, and limited
to 12 weeks (249 –257). Although helpful, these approaches are not likely as effective as vaginal ET. Vaginal
moisturizers have not been shown to reduce urinary tract
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324 –336
324 –336
337
338
225, 236, 328, 339 –341
225, 236, 328, 339 –341
225, 236, 328, 339 –341
248
217, 342, 343
225, 344 –352

246
353–356
357
225, 332
358
217, 225, 247, 359 –365
247
366, 367

symptoms or asymptomatic bacteriuria. Use of a vaginal
moisturizer may not eliminate the need for a vaginal lubricant during intercourse.
5.1b For women who do not produce sufficient vaginal
secretions for comfortable sexual activity, we suggest vaginal lubricants. (2ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
Vaginal lubricants are used to enhance the sexual experience in women with symptoms of VVA by alleviating
vaginal dryness and preventing dyspareunia (258). Lubricants do not treat the underlying problem and only briefly
alleviate symptoms. Several OTC options are available. Because data do not demonstrate the superiority of one to another, women can experiment with these products. Olive oil
is also effective (259). Petroleum jelly has been associated
with an increased rate of bacterial vaginosis (260).
5.2 Vaginal estrogen therapies
5.2a For women without a history of hormone- (estrogen) dependent cancers who are seeking relief from symptoms of GSM (including VVA) that persist despite using

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vaginal lubricants and moisturizers, we recommend lowdose vaginal ET. (1ⱍQQQE)
Evidence
A 2006 Cochrane meta-analysis of vaginal estrogens
(261) compared 19 efficacy trials and found that all products effectively alleviated symptoms, but study differences
limited comparisons among agents. As a guiding principle,
we recommend using the lowest effective dose.
RCTs of low-dose vaginal estrogen products (262–
267) report rapid improvement of vaginal symptoms (vaginal dryness or dyspareunia) and urinary symptoms (dysuria and urge incontinence) within 2 to 3 weeks. Objective
improvements continue at 12 weeks and are maintained to
1 year. Limited evidence suggests that vaginal ET may
prevent recurrent urinary tract infections (268, 269) and
overactive bladder (270, 271). No clear proof exists that
vaginal ET prevents or improves pelvic prolapse (272),
but it may be advantageous preoperatively (273). Adverse effects include potential transfer to partner via
penile or oral absorption and, with vaginal creams, residue on undergarments.
Vaginal estrogens
Vaginal estrogen preparations have been categorized
as: 1) low, 2) intermediate, and 3) systemic doses (274)
(Table 10). By using the lowest effective doses, systemic
absorption is minimized. During the initiation of therapy,
vaginal atrophy may enhance systemic absorption, although not all studies demonstrate this effect (267, 275).
When vaginal epithelium is restored (after several weeks of
ET), systemic absorption may decrease (276, 277).

Table 10.

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Low-dose therapies
Low-dose vaginal ring. Low-dose vaginal rings result in
estradiol levels that remain within the normal postmenopausal range; however, bone resorption and lipid levels
decrease, suggesting possible systemic effects (278, 279).
Insertion and removal at 3-month intervals may be difficult, the ring can be sensed during intercourse, and it can
be expelled, particularly in women who have undergone a
hysterectomy (265).
Vaginal estradiol tablets. The 10-␮g tablet provides standard twice weekly dosing, relieves vaginal symptoms by 8
weeks, and is effective for at least 52 weeks (263, 275, 280,
281). Therapy is initiated with daily administration for 2
weeks, and then twice weekly thereafter. Vaginal placement of the tablet may provide less introital benefit than
creams.
Promestriene (estradiol diether). This is a low-dose estrogen used outside the United States. Evidence is limited to
studies of poor quality and very few RCTs (282).
Intermediate-dose vaginal estrogen
The 25-␮g estradiol tablets increase plasma estradiol
from 3.1 ⫾ 0.83 to 19.8 ⫾ 6.1 pg/mL by 7 days (283). An
RCT of CEE vaginal cream ⱖ 0.3 mg applied daily or twice
weekly reported an improvement in VVA by 12 weeks that
was sustained for 52 weeks without reports of endometrial
effects (266). Intermediate-dose estradiol and CEE creams
provide flexibility of dosing, allow treatment from the introitus to the vaginal apex, and provide the emollient effect
of vehicle. Some systemic absorption exists (284, 285).

Classification of Government-Approved Vaginal Estrogens

Type
Low dose
Silastic estradiol vaginal ring
Estradiol vaginal tablet
Promestriene (estradiol diether) ovulea
Estriol ovulea
Estriol ⫹ progesterone ⫹ Lactobacillus Doderleini ovulea
Promestriene creama
Estriol creama
Intermediate dose
CEE vaginal cream ⬎0.3-mg dose
Estradiol vaginal tablet 25 ␮gb
High dose (systemic)
Estradiol vaginal ring
Vaginal estradiol
Vaginal CEE
a

Not approved or recommended in United States.

No longer available in United States.

Predominantly estrone sulfate; LH suppression reflects systemic absorption.

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Dose
7.5 ␮g
10 ␮g
10 mg
0.5 mg
0.2 mg ⫹ 2 mg ⫹ 341 mg
3 mg
0.015– 0.03 mg

50 and 100 ␮g
⬎0.5 mg
⬎0.5 mgc

Serum Estradiol Level
⬍20 pg/mL

⬎20 pg/mL
5–50 pg/mL
Some ⬎20 pg/mL
35–200 pg/mL

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Systemic-dose vaginal estrogen
CEE 0.625- to 2.5-mg vaginal cream, administered
daily, results in systemic effects as evidenced by LH and
FSH suppression (285). No RCT data are available regarding the FDA-approved dosing of estradiol 2- to 4-g
vaginal cream, administered daily for 1 to 2 weeks, followed by a maintenance dosage of 1 g, one to three times
a week.
Other hormonal agents
Estriol vaginal preparations (gels and suppositories)
are manufactured and government regulated in a number
of countries outside the United States. Estriol is considered
a low-affinity estrogen and, despite increased plasma concentration after repeated vaginal administration, is not
considered to have substantial systemic effects (286, 287).
Adverse events
Because serum estradiol levels during therapy usually
fall within the normal postmenopausal range, the risk profile with low-dose vaginal ET is expected to be lower than
with systemic ET (288). However, long-term endometrial
safety data are lacking, and 1 year is the maximum duration of RCTs of vaginal ET (261). Side effects include
vulvovaginal candidiasis (289, 290) and, with higher dosing and systemic absorption, vaginal bleeding and breast
pain (289). Increased CVD or VTE risk has not been reported (261). This may reflect an actual neutral effect due
to the absence of a first-pass hepatic effect by vaginal estrogens, or that studies of women at high CVD or VTE risk
are lacking (281). Available evidence does not support the
boxed warning on low-dose vaginal estrogen regarding an
increased risk of CHD, stroke, VTE, dementia, and breast
cancer, and efforts to modify the labeling of these products
are in progress (288).
Practice statement
5.2b In women with a history of breast or endometrial
cancer, who present with symptomatic GSM (including
VVA), that does not respond to nonhormonal therapies,
we suggest a shared decision-making approach that includes the treating oncologist to discuss using low-dose
vaginal ET. (Ungraded best practice statement)
Evidence
Breast cancer
Whether small increases in circulating estrogens from
low-dose vaginal estrogen can stimulate the growth of
residual breast cancer cells (280, 291–293) remains an
unanswered question. However, for women taking aromatase inhibitors, the effectiveness of which depends upon
blocking up to 95% of estrogen synthesis and reducing
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circulating estradiol levels to ⬍ 1 pg/mL (250), caution is
raised because minimal amounts of estrogen can be absorbed with low-dose vaginal ET. In a cohort case-control
study of 13 479 breast cancer survivors taking adjuvant
tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor therapy for at least 1
year, after 3.5 years of concurrent administration of the
low-dose estrogen ring or 10-␮g vaginal tablet, breast cancer recurrence did not increase (relative risk, 0.78; 95%
CI, 0.48 –1.25) (294). These data are insufficient, however, to conclude safety and to recommend this approach.
Endometrial cancer
The effect of low-dose vaginal ET on endometrial cancer recurrence is unknown. The only RCT attempting to
evaluate the effect of systemic ET on recurrence rate and
survival in women after surgery for stage I or II endometrial cancer was closed prematurely without complete enrollment (295). In the absence of RCT findings to guide
practice recommendations, the decision to use ET remains
controversial and involves assessing the severity of postmenopausal symptoms and tumor characteristics (296,
297).
5.2c For women taking raloxifene, without a history of
hormone- (estrogen) dependent cancers, who develop
symptoms of GSM (including VVA) that do not respond
to nonhormonal therapies, we suggest adding low-dose
vaginal ET. (2ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
Raloxifene has neutral vaginal effects (298 –300). In
two clinical trials, vaginal, but not oral (301) ET, was
safely used to treat vaginal symptoms in women taking
raloxifene without untoward endometrial effects (302,
303).
5.2d For women using low-dose vaginal ET, we suggest
against adding a progestogen (ie, no need for adding progestogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia). (2ⱍQEEE)
5.2e For women using vaginal ET who report postmenopausal bleeding or spotting, we recommend prompt
evaluation for endometrial pathology. (1ⱍQQEE)
Evidence
Bleeding or spotting in a woman using only vaginal
estrogens is uncommon in the absence of endometrial pathology. The 2006 Cochrane review of 19 studies found
no significant difference among vaginal creams, tablets, or
rings in terms of endometrial thickness or hyperplasia or
in the proportion of women with adverse events (261).
Recent 1-year-long studies of vaginal CEE cream and lowdose vaginal estradiol tablets revealed no cases of endometrial hyperplasia or cancer as determined by endometrial biopsy (263, 266, 304). Vaginal administration of

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estradiol tablets, when placed in the upper third of the
vagina, may result in a uterine first-pass effect resulting in
a higher degree of uterine stimulation (305–309). It is unknown whether endometrial proliferation, hyperplasia, or
cancer can occur after long-duration treatment (⬎ 1 y) or
in women with risk factors (late menopause, higher body
mass index, higher dosing). For women at higher risk of
endometrial cancer, surveillance using transvaginal ultrasound, followed by endometrial biopsy if endometrial
thickening is present, may be prudent. Intermittent (possibly annual) progestogen withdrawal may be considered
to assess endometrial status (261, 280).

J Clin Endocrinol Metab, November 2015, 100(11):3975– 4011

therapy with ospemifene vs 21.2/1000 women per year of
therapy with placebo. The incidence of proliferative endometrium (weakly plus active plus disordered) was 86.1/
1000 women with ospemifene vs 13.3/1000 with placebo
(315). The incidence of uterine polyps was 5.9 cases/1000
women with ospemifene vs 1.8/1000 women with placebo
(315).
Breast. Data on breast density or breast cancer risk are lacking. Estrogen-dependent neoplasia is a contraindication.

Future research
5.3 Ospemifene
5.3a For treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia
associated with vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal
women without contraindications, we suggest a trial of
ospemifene. (2ⱍQQQE)
5.3b For women with a history of breast cancer presenting with dyspareunia, we recommend against ospemifene. (1ⱍQEEE)
Evidence
Benefits
Not all women are comfortable using vaginal ET, and
women may prefer an oral medication specifically indicated for dyspareunia.
Vaginal symptoms and sexual function. Two 12-week
RCTs of ospemifene reported improvements in pH and
vaginal maturation index, severity of dyspareunia (310,
311), and standardized measures of sexual function (including desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction) (312).
Two year-long studies (313, 314) demonstrated sustained
vaginal benefits.
Risks
Vasomotor symptoms. The most common adverse effect
was VMS (7.2% of women taking ospemifene compared
with 2% taking placebo) (314).
Cardiovascular. Ospemifene involves risk of VTE (315)
and is contraindicated in women at risk for venous or
arterial thrombosis or stroke. In safety studies, incidence
rates for thromboembolic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, and
DVT were 0.72, 1.45, and 1.45/1000, respectively, in
women receiving ospemifene 60 mg vs 1.04, 0, and 1.04/
1000, respectively, in women assigned to placebo (310).
Endometrium. No cases of endometrial carcinoma have
been reported. Studies reported endometrial thickening
of ⱖ 5 mm at a rate of 60.1/1000 women per year of

There are numerous gaps in our knowledge regarding
menopause symptoms. Some of these include a lack of the
most basic understanding of what causes hot flashes, questions regarding the potential link between VMS and CVD
in older vs younger postmenopausal women, and a poor
understanding of the relationships between menopause
and sleep and hormonal transitions and mood, which have
significant social and economic implications. Given the
uncertainties regarding the precise neuroendocrine events
that cause VMS, developing specific targeted therapies is
challenging. Establishing appropriate animal models and
expanding recent research involving the neuroregulators
kisspeptin, neurokinin B, and dynorphin may help develop new effective treatments (35).
Management of the transition to menopause remains
uncharted territory. The SWAN and the Melbourne
Women’s Midlife Health Project provide extensive epidemiological, physiological, and descriptive data characterizing reproductive changes that occur during the transition to menopause. However, clinical management
decisions are often based on the extrapolation of observational data collected from studies conducted in younger,
reproductive age women. RCTs of frequently prescribed
therapies, such as oral contraceptives, MHT, and measures to control mood, with clinical outcomes relevant to
women of relatively advanced age are sorely needed to
confidently advise patients regarding the safest and most
effective therapies to use during this transition.
Managing the loss of ovarian function in premenopausal women due to surgery, the range of disorders manifesting as POI, or the sequelae of treatment for breast
cancer and other malignancies remains challenging. This
is due to a dearth of quality data assessing the long-term
risks and benefits of MHT or other options for symptom
relief and prevention of chronic diseases in these groups.
Fertility issues can be managed with modern assisted reproductive technology, but we fall short on adequately
managing estrogen deficiency. Pressing questions remain

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regarding optimal treatment preparation, dosing and regimens, and the merits of long-term MHT, even in women
without menopausal symptoms. International registries
and clinical trials are overdue to address the long-reaching
implications of these important issues.
The most persistent question for naturally postmenopausal women is how to balance menopausal symptom
relief with the prevention of chronic diseases of aging such
as CHD, osteoporotic fractures, and dementia. ET has
long been hypothesized to meet this goal, although conclusive evidence remains elusive, and questions persist regarding the interaction between EPT and these outcomes,
as well as breast cancer. Observational data suggesting
differences in VTE risk and other CVD outcomes continue
to accumulate, suggesting a significant need for adequately powered clinical trials comparing the safety and
efficacy of oral with transdermal therapies in younger,
recently postmenopausal women.
Finally, new SERM therapies (alone and partnered with
estrogens) are promising, but larger, longer trials are
needed to fully characterize the benefit/risk profiles of
these new treatments and inform the clinician as to which
patients stand to benefit the most from their use.

Hassan Murad, M.D., M.P.H.** —Financial or business/
organizational interests: Mayo Clinic, Division of Preventive Medicine; Significant financial interest or leadership
position: none declared. JoAnn V. Pinkerton, MD—Financial or business/organizational interests: North American Menopause Society, Menopause Journal, OBG Management, Climacteric Journal, Journal of Women’s
Health, University of Virginia Board of Visitors (Noven
Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer, Inc., Shionogi, Therapeutics
MD), University of Virginia Clinical Trials (Therapeutics
MD); Significant Financial Interest or Leadership Position: North American Menopause Society, Academy of
Women’s Health, South Atlantic Association of ObGyn.
Richard J. Santen, MD—Financial or business/organizational interests: American Society of Clinical Oncology,
Up-to-Date (Author/Honorarium); Significant Financial
Interest or Leadership Position: Pfizer (Advisory Board,
Research Grant).
* Financial, business, and organizational disclosures of
the Task Force cover the year prior to publication. Disclosures prior to this time period are archived.
** Evidence-based reviews for this guideline were prepared under contract with The Endocrine Society.

Financial Disclosures of the Task Force*

Acknowledgments

Financial Disclosure of Task Force:* Cynthia A. Stuenkel,
MD. (chair)—Financial or business/organizational interests: North American Menopause Society (Chair, Exam
Committee), National Women’s Law Center-Well Women’s Project; Significant financial interest or leadership
position: none declared. Susan R. Davis, MBBS, PhD—
Financial or Business/Organizational Interests: International Menopause Society, North American Menopause
Society, Menopause, Maturitas, Climacteric, Trimel Pharmaceuticals Canada, Lawley Pharmaceuticals Australia,
Abbott Pharmaceuticals; Significant Financial Interest or
Leadership Position: International Menopause Society,
National Health and Medical Research Council, Australia, Bupa Health Foundation. Anne Gompel, MD, PhD—
Financial or Business/Organizational Interests: European
Society for Contraception, European Society of Endocrinology, Groupe d’Etude sur la Ménopause et le Vieillissement Hormonal, Société Française de Sénologie et Pathologie Mammaire; Significant financial interest or
leadership position: none declared. Mary Ann Lumsden,
MD, PhD—Financial or Business/Organizational Interests: —Financial or Business/Organizational Interests: International Menopause Society, British Menopause Society; Significant Financial Interest or Leadership Position:
National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence. M.

Special thanks are extended to Drs. David F. Archer, Gloria A.
Bachmann, Henry Burger, Roger A. Lobo, Charles L. Loprinzi,
JoAnn E. Manson, Kathryn A. Martin, Nanette F. Santoro,
Hugh S. Taylor, and Nelson B. Watts for careful review and
thoughtful suggestions.

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Cosponsoring Associations: The Australasian Menopause
Society, the British Menopause Society, European Menopause
and Andropause Society, the European Society of Endocrinology, and the International Menopause Society.

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