Long-term hormone therapy for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
RHL practical aspects by Seshadri L
FIRST CONTACT (PRIMARY CARE) LEVEL
In view of the high incidence of osteoporosis in developing countries, there is a need to ensure that physicians at the primary health care level are able to advise postmenopausal women about prevention and treatment of this condition (life-style modifications, dietary calcium and calcium supplementation, etc.).
REFERRAL HOSPITAL (SECONDARY CARE) LEVEL
In addition to the services recommended above for the primary health care level, health care workers at this level should conduct evaluation of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, basic investigations, evaluation of diabetes and hypertension and other risk factors should be performed as a routine.
AT HOME OR IN THE COMMUNITY
Most older women in under-resourced settings do not seek medical help for menopausal symptoms and are aware of neither risk factors nor available therapies. To help older women lead healthier lives, community programmes should be implemented to assess the nutritional status and risk factors for diseases in older women. These programmes should also to seek to educate older women about menopausal symptoms and risks (e.g. breast cancer) and the need to have adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D.
This document should be cited as: Seshadri L. Long-term hormone therapy for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women: RHL practical aspects (last revised: 6 Mars 2006). The WHO Reproductive Health Library; Geneva: World Health Organization.