Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy (HT) provides women with the female hormones that decrease as they age. When the hormone estrogen is given alone, it is usually referred to as "ERT." When the hormone progestin is combined with estrogen, it is generally called "HT," formerly known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Estrogen is a female hormone that brings about changes in other organs in the body. Progesterone is a female hormone that prepares the uterus for a pregnancy each month. During the transition to menopause ("perimenopause") these hormone levels start to fluctuate, causing some uncomfortable symptoms. When the ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone, menstrual periods cease and the woman has experienced menopause.

Hormone therapy has been used to relieve the short-term symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, sweats, and disturbed sleep. Preliminary evidence shows that HT may be helpful in preventing colon cancer, and macular degeneration (age-related vision loss).