Both physician and patient continue to be confused as regards the indications or contraindications for the administration of estrogens during, but especially following, the female climacteric. The initial impression that estrogenic material is carcinogenic continues to prevail in some quarters and enough papers regarding this possibility are published each year to keep the whole subject in a constant state of controversy. Since this problem arises during the lifetime of all women in the middle-age group, what attitude should one take in clinical practice?To begin with, one should state what estrogen accomplishes in the body economy. What is the purpose of the hormone from the beginning of its spontaneous elaboration, a year or so before the onset of the menarche, up to the time it ceases to be a major factor in the physiologic life and function of the female? Its initial purpose is undoubtedly the preparation of the organism for procreation. As the estrogenic hormone is increased, the female is gradually brought t o a state of sexual maturity. Not only is this true of the soma with its alluring contours of the body, the soft and pliant skin, the fully developed mammary and vaginal tract, but the psyche as well. Biologically speaking, she is then awakened to the requirement for a mate. The vaginal tract is moist and easily capable of being stimulated, an incitement to procreative endeavors for both the male and female. Everything about this woman is designed to attract the male. She becomes increasingly cognizant of a subtle power in her relationship with the opposite sex. It is her inherent right to marry, to procreate, to wield a continuous influence in the lives of her husband and family.

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