Still confused about hormone replacement therapy during menopause? Before the results of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial were published in 2002, hormone therapy was routinely used to treat the hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms associated with menopause. The results of the WHI suggested that the health risks of hormone replacement outweighed the benefits, so long-term hormone therapy is no longer routinely recommended fro post-menopausal women. However, studies have shown the hormone replacement may protect against osteoporosis and colorectal cancer. But, what about quality of life? Do women who take hormone replacement feel better?

According to a study published in the May/June issue of Menopause, in general, hormone replacement therapy did not improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL).The researchers examined 3,102 mid-life women of various ethnicities across the country who were not on hormone replacement therapy at baseline. Of these women, 813 started hormone therapy during the 6-year follow-up period. The researchers found that women who reported poor emotional and physical functioning were not more likely to start hormone therapy. And, hormone therapy did not improve health-related quality of life, except in a subgroup of women with frequent menopause who reported improved vitality after starting hormone replacement.

Perhaps additional research is needed to more fully understand why hormone therapy does not improve quality of life - but, for now, HRQOL is another thing to be considered when weighing the risks and benefits of this controversial menopause treatment.