July 2005

Menopause & hormones

What Can You Believe?

This document was developed by FDA and other agencies of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). HHS thanks all of the participating organizations that have assisted in its reproduction and distribution.

Questions for your doctor, nurse or pharmacist

Are hormones right for me? Why?

Are there other things I can use or do?

What are the benefits and risks?

How long should I use hormone therapy?

What is the lowest dose that will work for me?

What are the side effects?

If I want to stop hormones, how should I do that?

Notes:

rule

When should I be checked for:

Blood pressure
Bone health
Breast cancer
Cervical cancer
Cholesterol
Colon cancer
Dental health
Diabetes
Eye and Ear health
Thyroid disease

Do you have any advice to help me:

Eat right and control weight
Be more active
Stop smoking
Eat right
Sleep better
Manage stress

REMEMBER
When using hormone therapy for menopause

Use at the lowest dose that helps
Use for the shortest time needed

Federal Citizen Information Center US General Services Administration www.pueblo.gsa.gov 1-888-878-3256	National Women's Health Information Center US Department of Health and Human Services www.4woman.gov
Food and Drug Administration US Department of Health and Human Services www.fda.gov/womens www.fda.gov/cder	National Institutes of Health US Department of Health and Human Services www.nih.gov/PHTindex.htm
	Agency for Healthcare Research Quality US Department of Health and Human Services www.ahrq.gov/ppip/healthywom.htm