(August 21, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Combination hormone replacement therapy helps control the symptoms of menopause, making life somewhat more comfortable for older women, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal.

Consider the following when managing symptoms associated with menopause:

•    Although HRT is often the most effective treatment, it is not always necessary.

•    Periodically re-evaluate women on HRT to determine if it is still indicated, particularly if there have been changes in their health status.

•    Women who have recently discontinued HRT are at risk for rapid bone loss.

Investigators in the WISDOM trial from the University of Adelaide randomized nearly 5,700 healthy postmenopausal women aged 50-69 to combined HRT consisting of estrogen and progestogen therapy or placebo. The women were monitored for an average of 12 months.

After one year, women taking HRT were less likely than those on placebo to report suffering symptoms of hot flushes, night sweats, aching joints and muscles, insomnia, and vaginal dryness. Those taking HRT were also significantly more likely to report breast tenderness and vaginal discharge.

Today's research highlights a positive role for HRT in postmenopausal women. However, the benefits must be weighed against the increased risk of cardiac events, venous thromboembolism, and breast cancer.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.