OBJECTIVES. To establish guidelines on the administration of hormone replacement therapy in Hong Kong for a primary audience of Fellows and Members of the Hong Kong College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a secondary audience of all interested medical and paramedical personnel in Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS. The Quality Assurance Committee established a consensus panel of four College Fellows who had expertise of treating menopausal women by giving hormone replacement therapy. All the panelists were qualified obstetricians and gynaecologists.

EVIDENCE. The panelists drew their conclusions from the available scientific literature on hormone replacement therapy from Hong Kong and overseas.

CONSENSUS PROCESS. The consensus reached within the panel was presented to the Quality Assurance Committee on 23 June 1998, and subsequently revised and presented three times. The final version was approved by the Quality Assurance Committee on 2 March 1999 and the Council of the Hong Kong College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology on 11 March 1999.

CONCLUSIONS. The administration of hormone replacement therapy is effective in reducing the severity and frequency of menopausal hot flushes and sweating. Therapy protects against osteoporosis and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. There is some evidence to suggest that treatment also protects against Alzheimer’s disease and carcinoma of the colon. The most serious problem attributed to using hormone replacement therapy is the possible increase in the risk of breast cancer development; the exact risk is unknown. Side effects include unwanted bleeding and breast tenderness and sensitivity. The risks and benefits of using hormone replacement therapy should be explained to postmenopausal women so that they can make an informed decision about using this treatment.

Key words: Estrogen replacement therapy; Hong Kong; Practice guidelines

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