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New guidelines back use of hormone therapy for menopause, perimenopause symptoms. Here's what to know.
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has updated its guidance, now recommending hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as the first-line treatment for common menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.
- This marks the first change in over a decade, shifting from previous advice that favored antidepressants and lifestyle changes to mainstream use of hormone therapy.
- HRT helps alleviate symptoms caused by declines in estrogen and progesterone during menopause and can be administered through various methods such as pills, patches, gels, or vaginal rings.
- Not all women are eligible for HRT; those with histories of blood clots, stroke, liver disease, or breast cancer should avoid it, and therapy is recommended to start before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause onset.
- For women ineligible for HRT, non-hormonal treatment options exist, and specialists trained in menopause care can provide personalized guidance.
