[Hormone replacement therapy for internal risk patients].

Using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), absolute and relative contradictions have to be considered, which are primarily classified according to a "worst case" scenario on the assumption of group effects, in order to satisfy forensic demands. However, in patients with severe complaints it make sense to apply HRT even at increased risk. To minimize the risk, a differentiated choice of the preparation especially in terms of progestin component and application mode is feasible apart from a general dose reduction. For internal risk patients, transdermal estradiol in a patch or gel and neutral progestins like progesterone and dydrogesterone or combination patches for a completely transdermal HRT are to be preferred. In the Women's Health Initiative, a study investigating a population strongly burdened with cardiovascular risks, the most important risks were venous thromboses and strokes, in old age also myocardial infarctions. In this context, the risk groups with diabetes, hypertension and dyslipoproteinemia as well as smokers in general are of particular importance. Other common internal risk groups comprise women with thyroid and hepatobiliary diseases. Rare but prognostically important diseases such as porphyria and lupus erythematosus are considered as relative contraindications. The available data on these risk groups are described and practical recommendations are given.