Final answer:
Hormone therapy (HT) can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but there are risks associated with long-term use. Current guidelines suggest using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible.
Step-by-step explanation:
Menopausal and postmenopausal women may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, and mood swings. Hormone therapy (HT), which involves medication to increase estrogen and progestin levels, can alleviate some of these symptoms.
However, there have been concerns regarding the long-term use of HT due to potential risks, including an increased risk of breast cancer. Current guidelines recommend using HT for the reduction of hot flashes or flushes in menopausal women, but it is generally suggested to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible (5 years or less).
Regular pelvic and breast exams are also recommended for women on hormone therapy.