Recent and current demographic changes have resulted in an increasing number of people living to retirement and beyond. More and more women are thus facing the dilemma of how to protect themselves from the problems of oestrogen deficiency, such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and, possibly, Alzheimer's disease.This handbook presents a clear and comprehensive review of the role of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in this patient population, assessing the risks and benefits in an impartial manner, and thus enabling clinicians to help women to make an informed decision regarding treatment and prevention.