Short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Short-term hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the use of an estrogen-progestin combination to treat symptoms related to menopause. It is used at the lowest dose possible and for the shortest time possible to reduce or eliminate hot flashes, sleep problems, mood problems, bone loss, and skin and vaginal changes.

A woman who still has her uterus should take progestin if she is taking estrogen. This prevents the estrogen from causing endometrial (uterine) cancer. Progestin prevents the increased risk of this cancer by regulating the buildup and breakdown of the lining (endometrium) of the uterus. Women know this buildup and breakdown as monthly menstrual bleeding.

Because HRT causes breast cancer, ovarian cancer, heart attack, stroke, blood clots, or dementia in a small number of women, short-term use is recommended for women who choose this therapy. Experts have yet to firmly define how long "short-term" should be. While some recommend less than 1 year, most consider no more than 4 or 5 years to be reasonable, with regular checkups. Research is currently exploring whether low-dose, short-term HRT reduces HRT risks.