Estrogen replacement after menopause. When is it warranted?

As longevity increases, so will the number of women living for many years beyond menopause. The estrogen deprivation that occurs at menopause results in many degenerative changes in a woman's body, some of which cause unpleasant or disabling symptoms. To maintain good health and vitality in menopausal and postmenopausal women, serious consideration should be given to appropriate estrogen replacement therapy. Although such therapy has some risks, the benefits appear to exceed the risks.