Hormone Therapy (HT) for Menopause

Hormone therapy (HT) for menopause, formerly referred to as HRT,  refers to the use of prescription drugs to "replace" the hormones that the ovaries stop making around the time of menopause. For many years, to relieve menopausal symptoms, health care providers prescribed what was called estrogen replacement therapy (ERT). Because taking a medicine that just has estrogen raises the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer in the lining of the uterus), only women who do not have a uterus can take estrogen (ERT) alone safely. ERT usually is taken by pill or skin patch.

Hormone therapy (HT) generally refers to using a combination of hormones (estrogen and progestin) to treat menopausal symptoms. Using both hormones lowers the risk of endometrial cancer. HT is most always taken by pill. HT may be a safe and effective way of managing menopausal symptoms if taken for only a short period of time, but researchers continue to study the long- and short-term effects of HT on women's health. HT is generally NOT recommended for women who have the following health problems:

• vaginal bleeding of unknown cause
• suspected breast cancer or a history of breast cancer
• history of endometrial cancer
• history of heart disease
• history of or active venous thrombosis (blood clots in the veins in the legs or in the lungs)
• chronic disease of the liver

Because there are both benefits and risks linked to taking HT, every woman should consider these in relation to her own health and thoroughly discuss these issues with her HCP. If you decide to use HT, use it at the lowest dose that helps and for the shortest time needed.