HRT AND LONG-TERM COMPLIANCE - THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF MENOREST(R)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is perhaps the most important develo pment in preventive medicine in the Western world for half a century, yet long-term compliance is notoriously poor. Up to 75% of women who s tart on HRT are reported to drop out within the first 6 months. Poor c ompliance may arise from a lack of awareness of the benefits of HRT, o r from a number of common misconceptions, particularly the idea that H RT is 'unnatural', and will cause weight gain, cancer, or unpleasant s ide effects. While side effects (usually progestogenic) may of course occur on HRT, they can usually be managed by a change in the regimen. Studies of the efficacy and safety of Menorest(R), an adhesive matrix transdermal system, used in combination with dydrogesterone for 12 day s in each cycle, show it to be effective in relieving menopausal sympt oms and increasing lumbar and spinal bone mass. Menorest(R) was as eff ective and well-tolerated as a reference oral treatment (conjugated es trogens), and its twice weekly application may be considered to promot e compliance.