Ileen John is 46 years old and exhibiting signs of menopause. She reports a change in her menstrual cycle regularity. For the past year, her periods have occurred between 6 and 8 weeks apart and have...

Ileen John is 46 years old and exhibiting signs of menopause. She reports a change in her menstrual cycle regularity. For the past year, her periods have occurred between 6 and 8 weeks apart and have lasted only 2 to 3 days. Previously, she experienced her periods approximately every 28 days and they lasted from 4 to 5 days. She reports to the nurse that she is now feeling easily fatigued, has more mood swings, occasional headaches, hot flashes, insomnia, bouts of depression, and irritability. She is also concerned about her loss of libido. She admits to smoking half a pack of cigarettes a day and drinking several cups of coffee during work hours. She has a family history of HTN, cardiac disease, and diabetes, but she has never been diagnosed with any of those disorders. A complete history and physical examination, along with a vaginal examination and a Pap smear were performed.

1. Do you think that Ileen is a candidate for hormone replacement therapy? Why or why not?

2. Create a list of some treatment options for Ileen.

3. Ileen asks about the precautions related to suggested treatment options. How would you respond?