Medication · Also: hormone replacement therapy, MHT, menopausal hormone therapy

HRT

Treatment that replaces estrogen (with a progestogen if the uterus is present) for menopause symptoms.

Treatment that replaces estrogen (with a progestogen if the uterus is present) for menopause symptoms.

Also known as: hormone replacement therapy, MHT, menopausal hormone therapy

Hormone therapy for menopause, also called menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) or HRT, supplies estrogen to ease symptoms such as hot flashes. When a woman has a uterus, a progestogen is added to protect the endometrium.

It comes in oral and transdermal forms. The choice, timing, and route are individualized with a clinician based on symptoms and health history.

Related terms

Estradiol

The primary and most potent estrogen produced by the ovaries during the reproductive years.

Micronized progesterone

A body-identical progesterone, finely processed for oral absorption, used to protect the uterine lining.

Progestin

A synthetic or natural compound with progesterone-like activity used in contraception and hormone therapy.

Transdermal

Delivery of medication through the skin, as with a patch, gel, or spray.

Critical window hypothesis

The idea that the effects of menopausal hormone therapy depend on how close to menopause it is started.

Source

MedlinePlus: Hormone Replacement Therapy

← Back to full glossary