Final answer:
Menopausal hormone therapy is a treatment to alleviate menopausal symptoms using synthetic hormones, but it is administered with caution due to potential risks such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease. Current guidelines suggest using the lowest possible dose for the shortest feasible time, with regular medical supervision.
Step-by-step explanation:
One approach to alleviating the estrogen-related symptoms women experience in later life is through the use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT). This treatment involves the administration of medication that contains synthetic estrogens and progestins to increase the body's levels of these hormones. MHT can help alleviate symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and osteoporosis. However, its use is controversial due to studies like the one by the Women's Health Initiative in 2002, which suggested high risks such as breast cancer and cardiovascular disease associated with hormone replacement therapy. While other studies have indicated potential benefits, including a reduced risk of certain conditions, the current consensus is to use MHT at the lowest dose for the shortest time possible, and under careful medical supervision with regular health checks to mitigate potential risks.