Hormone replacement involves the giving of estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone to women suffering from hot flashes, night sweats, and other premenopausal and menopausal symptoms.
It is during menopause when ovaries begin to fail to produce these hormones on a regular basis. Some women have symptoms that are so severe that the only option is to take hormone replacement therapy to control the symptoms. Sometimes, hormone replacement therapy is called menopausal hormone therapy because it is given around the time of menopause.
As you will see, hormone replacement therapy or HRT is not without risks and side effects. This is a type of therapy that is not for every women, as women with an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, or heart disease will have increased risks of these diseases if they take HRT.
You need to discuss these risks with your doctor to see if HRT is right for you. Sometimes hormone replacement therapy is taken for many years at a time. Other times, it is taken only during the time of menopause, when the symptoms are the greatest.
Usually the lowest effective dose is recommended to reduce the chances of risks and the use of HRT is reevaluated by the doctor every few months.

Table of Content
- What Is HRT?
- Administration Routes
- Risks Of HRT
- Uses For HRT
- Benefits Of HRT
- Alternatives To HRT
- Key Considerations Before Starting HRT
- HRT: Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion