The “newer” progestogens and postmenopausal hormone therapy (HRT)

• The “newer” progestogens have a high bioavailability.
• The “newer” progestogens have a sufficient progestogenic effect.
• The “newer” progestogens do not cause undue side effects.
• The “newer” progestogens do not jeopardize lipid- and carbohydrate metabolism.

After a worldwide breakdown of hormone therapy [HT] following the publications of the Women's Health Initiative trial and Million Women's Study in 2002–2003, there is now a trend to turn attention again to HT and to explore particular progestogens, which have been discredited with respect to their side effects. The progestogens to be considered should control undue proliferation of the endometrium and should not interfere negatively with the positive effects of estradiol, regarding carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well as hemostasis. In the present review, three “newer progestogens” are scrutinized regarding their various actions, in combination with estradiol; the progestogens include dienogest, drospirenone and nomegestrol acetate.This article is part of a special issue entitled Menopause.