Objective: To describe common pitfalls associated with hormone replace
ment therapy (HRT) and recommendations to prevent or ameliorate them.
Design: After pertinent articles and texts were reviewed, we outlined
the available regimens of HRT, the commonly encountered side effects,
and the management options. Results: HRT is frequently prescribed for
elderly women, Vaginal bleeding, nausea, breast tenderness, migraine h
eadaches, mood alterations, and abdominal bloating are common occurren
ces with HRT. These problems often can be managed by changing the dose
, using another preparation or regimen, or altering the route of admin
istration. For example, transdermal administration of estradiol may be
tolerated better than oral therapy in patients with nausea, Irregular
bleeding warrants endometrial biopsy to rule out hyperplasia. Conclus
ion: With simple measures, common side effects of HRT can easily be ma
naged by primary-care physicians, Gynecologic referral is recommended
when endometrial biopsy is necessary or when symptoms fail to respond
to adjustments in hormone therapy.