Hormone replacement therapy, atherosclerosis and importance of early intervention

Abstract

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the most effective therapy of acute climacteric syndrome and prevention of osteoporosis. When starting treatment within 10 years of menopause, i.e., before the onset of irreversible changes in the vessel wall and nervous tissues, it is a window of opportunity to prevent atherosclerosis and dementia.

At a later start, on the contrary, it worsens these processes.

Keywords

• atherosclerosis
• hormone replacement therapy
• timing of therapeutic intervention