Hormone therapy is prescription only and appropriate only for patients for whom a licensed provider determines the benefits outweigh the risks.
Estrogen and progestin therapy carries risks including blood clots, stroke, and, with long-term combined use, breast cancer; risks differ by age, time since menopause, formulation and personal and family history.
It is not for patients with a history of breast cancer, estrogen-dependent cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, liver disease, or blood clots. Compounded formulations, where used, are prepared by a licensed US pharmacy and are not FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
