MidLife
Hormone replacement therapy
As women age, their bodies produce less estrogen. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplies the estrogen the body no longer makes. It has been used to relieve the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, sweats, disturbed sleep, and an increased rate of bone loss. Today, this term is used to describe treatment with either estrogen alone or with estrogen and another hormone called progestin. Progestin is added to prevent the overgrowth (or hyperplasia) of cells in the lining of the uterus.
Hormone therapy goes by various names, depending on the hormones used. Estrogen replacement therapy refers to treatment that uses only estrogen. Combined Progestin/Estrogen Replacement Therapy (sometimes abbreviated "PERT") is the use of both hormones. Each woman’s needs are different and hormone replacement therapy should be discussed thoroughly with your health care provider.
