Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the provision of estrogen, or estrogen and progesterone, to women during menopause, when the body produces lower levels of these sex hormones than was true earlier in the woman’s life. A major purpose of HRT is to relieve symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances. Another purpose of HRT is to protect against future risks such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. However, HRT has also been associated with increased risk of some serious health conditions, including stroke, heart disease, and breast cancer. Research continues on the risks and benefits of HRT, so it is possible that conclusions that seem clear today may be overturned in the light of further evidence. In addition, one complication of ...