Women's Health

Gynecology

Menopause Treatments

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy is a medication-based system of replacing the estrogen and possible progestin lost during menopause. Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) contains estrogen only and is usually prescribed for women who have had surgically-induced menopause (a hysterectomy). Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) contains both estrogen and progestin and is usually prescribed for women experiencing natural menopause.

Due to recent studies, HRT is under scrutiny by the medical community. Although there are many benefits to HRT, there are also associated risks. The decision to undergo HRT is a very personal decision that should take into account your health profile and history as well as symptoms you are experiencing. Discuss this option thoroughly with your doctor.

Benefits of HRT

Hormone Replacement Therapy is beneficial in both protecting a woman against the long term effects of menopause as well as treating the immediate symptoms. By replacing the estrogen lost, HRT helps to prevent osteoporosis and may protect against heart disease. In addition, HRT relieves the hot flashes and vaginal dryness that many women experience.

Risks of HRT

In recent studies, women who have undergone HRT have experienced higher incidences of breast and endometrial cancers. For this reason, doctors are being encouraged to prescribe HRT for the shortest amount of time possible, and to encourage women to take other measures to protect against heart disease and osteoporosis.