The Impact of Menopausal Hormone Therapy on Liver and Biliary Tract Health

Aim: to provide summarized data on the relationship between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and liver health. Key points. A decrease in estrogen production during the menopausal transition and a deficiency of estrogen and progesterone during postmenopause significantly affect lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and can lead to impaired liver function. With age, the risk of developing metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in women increases significantly, due to a combination of hormonal changes, a higher incidence of metabolic disorders, and age-related factors. In turn, MAFLD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and metabolic disorders. In the absence of well-timed hormonal support, postmenopausal women are at high risk of developing serious complications, therefore, it is extremely important to select MHT with a favorable efficacy and safety profile. The approach to prescribing MHT should take into account the patient’s medical history, individual characteristics, as well as the mode of drug administration, considering the minimum effective dose. Conclusion. Oral combination MHT provides positive metabolic effects through the first-pass metabolism but is not associated with additional health risks.