Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): A Guide for Patients

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause by supplementing the body with hormones that decline during this stage of life. It primarily replaces estrogen and, in some cases, progesterone, to help manage symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.

Who Can Benefit from HRT?

• Women experiencing moderate to severe menopausal symptoms
• Those with early menopause (before age 40) or surgical menopause (removal of ovaries)
• Women at high risk for osteoporosis

Types of HRT

Estrogen-Only Therapy (ET)

• Recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus).
• Available as pills, patches, creams, gels, or vaginal rings.

Combination Therapy (Estrogen + Progesterone) (EPT)

• Recommended for women with a uterus to prevent uterine cancer caused by estrogen alone.
• Available in pills, patches, and vaginal forms.

Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

• Derived from plant sources and chemically similar to human hormones.
• Available as FDA-approved prescriptions or compounded formulations (custom-mixed, but less regulated).

Benefits of HRT

• Relieves menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
• Prevents bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• May improve sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
• May reduce the risk of colon cancer and type 2 diabetes.

Risks and Considerations

• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke (higher in older women and smokers).
• Slightly higher risk of breast cancer (with long-term combination therapy).
• Possible increased risk of heart disease (for women who start HRT later in life).

Is HRT Right for You?

• Age and time since menopause began
• Personal and family medical history (heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis)
• Severity of symptoms and quality of life impact

Alternatives to HRT

• Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management)
• Non-hormonal medications (such as SSRIs for hot flashes)
• Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants for dryness
• Herbal supplements (such as black cohosh, though effectiveness varies)

When to See a Doctor

• If you are experiencing bothersome menopausal symptoms and want to explore whether HRT is right for you, schedule a consultation with a gynecologist. Together, you can discuss the benefits, risks, and personalized options to improve your well-being.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.