Progesterone Cream Dosing for Menopausal Hormone Therapy

Current Recommendations for Hormone Therapy

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends against routine use of hormone therapy for the primary prevention of chronic conditions in postmenopausal women 1, 2, 3
For women who choose to use hormone therapy for management of menopausal symptoms, the lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible time 1, 4

Standard hormone therapy typically uses oral formulations of progestogens such as Medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), which is effective in inducing secretory endometrium when combined with estrogen, and natural micronized progesterone, which may have a more favorable cardiovascular and thrombotic risk profile compared to synthetic progestogens 5
Dydrogesterone is listed among suggested progestins by European guidelines 5

Women considering hormone therapy should be informed of potential risks including increased risk for venous thromboembolism, stroke, and cardiovascular events within 1-2 years of therapy 1, 6
Women considering hormone therapy should be informed of potential risks including increased risk for breast cancer with longer-term combined estrogen-progestogen therapy 6
Women considering hormone therapy should be informed of potential risks including increased risk for gallbladder disease 6
Women considering hormone therapy should be informed of potential risks including increased risk for urinary incontinence 6
Benefits may include reduced risk for fractures 6
Benefits may include reduced risk for colorectal cancer with combined therapy 6