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Hormone Replacement Therapy
Pronunciation
Definition 1
Hormones (estrogen, progesterone, or both) given to women after menopause to replace the hormones no longer produced by the ovaries. Also called HRT and menopausal hormone therapy. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
Treatment with estrogens or estrogen/progesterone after menopause or ovariectomy to prevent pathological effects of decreased estrogen production. (NCI Thesaurus)
More information
Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops. It is a normal part of aging. In the years before and during menopause, the levels of female hormones can go up and down. This can cause symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Some women take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also called menopausal hormone therapy, to relieve these symptoms. HRT may also protect against osteoporosis.
However, HRT also has risks. It can increase your risk of breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Certain types of HRT have a higher risk, and each woman's own risks can vary depending upon her health history and lifestyle. You and your health care provider need to discuss the risks and benefits for you. If you do decide to take HRT, it should be the lowest dose that helps and for the shortest time needed. Taking hormones should be re-evaluated every six months. (NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Also called: Estrogen Replacement Therapy, HRT, ERT, Estrogen replacement therapy, Menopausal hormone therapy
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