Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is also called opposed estrogen, is the use of a combination of two hormones, estrogen and progestin. It can be used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, that result from the changing hormone levels that occur before and after the end of a woman's reproductive years (menopause).
There are certain health risks related to HRT use. While most women do not develop health problems with HRT, a very small number of women get breast cancer, stroke, or blood clots related to hormone use. HRT is also thought to increase the chance of heart disease or dementia in a small number of women.
Women should carefully discuss their health risks and treatment options for menopausal symptoms with their health professional.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
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