The relative effects of progesterone and progestins in hormone replacementtherapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was initially given to protect women agai nst osteoporosis and alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as hot hashes, dep ression, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. In view of the understand ing of oestrogen deficiency as a major trigger for the acceleration of card iovascular risk after menopause, HRT may also be proposed as a substantial beneficial cardioprotective agent. Progestins, which may be added to oestro gen in combined HRT to reduce the risk of uterine malignancy, have a number of potential adverse effects on the cardiovascular system which could even attenuate the benefit of unopposed oestrogen replacement therapy in post-m enopausal women.