HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy (often abbreviated as HRT) is a treatment used to supplement the body with either estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone in combination. HRT is often used to treat common symptoms of menopause and aging.

Overview

HRT is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops. It is a normal part of aging. In the years leading up to and during menopause, the levels of female hormones can go up and down. This can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Some women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to relieve these symptoms. HRT may also protect against osteoporosis.

Types of HRT

There are two main types of HRT:

• Estrogen Therapy (ET): Doctors most often prescribe a low dose of estrogen to be taken as a pill or patch. This therapy is often prescribed for women who have had their uterus removed.

• Estrogen Progesterone/Progestin Hormone Therapy (EPT): This is often prescribed for women who still have their uterus, to protect against uterine cancer.

Risks and Benefits

Like any treatment, hormone therapy is not without risk. In some women, it can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers. However, in other women, hormone therapy can help prevent bone loss, improve mood and energy level, and relieve hot flashes and night sweats.

See Also

• Menopause
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Osteoporosis

References

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