A unit dosage form suitable for once daily administration to a human
comprising a physiologically effective amount of at least one hormone
selected from the group consisting of steroidal estrogen, estradiol,
estrone, medroxyprogesterone, norethindrone, norethisterone, progestin,
norgestrel, and progesterone, and at least one carotenoid wherein the
carotenoid is in an amount effective to prevent the adverse effects which
may result from the administration of the hormone.