What is HRT for Menopause?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that helps people who are experiencing symptoms of menopause and replaces the hormones that the body isn’t making enough of. 

HRT is the term used when a person receives treatment at a younger age, especially before the age of 40. Healthcare providers use the term hormone therapy (HT) when the person is receiving treatment after the age of 50. As women transition to menopause, their ovaries stop making high levels of estrogen. This can cause symptoms, such as: 

• Hot flashes and night sweats  

• Mood swings, depression, or irritability 

• Insomnia  

• Vaginal dryness and painful sexual intercourse 

• Leaking pee 

There are two main types of HRT: estrogen therapy and estrogen-progesterone therapy. 

• Estrogen therapy involves taking only estrogen. Estrogen can come in many forms, including: 

• Pills that are taken orally 

• A patch that sticks to the skin 

• A gel that is applied to the skin 

• A ring that is worn inside the vagina 

• A cream that is applied to the vagina 

• Tablets that are placed inside the vagina 

• A spray that is applied to the arm 

• Estrogen-progesterone therapy, or combination therapy, combines doses of estrogen and progesterone 

There are two ways to take hormone replacement therapy: systemic and local. 

Systemic hormone therapy means the hormone goes through your bloodstream and travels to the organs and tissues it needs to get to. 

Local hormone therapy means the hormone is applied to a specific area. 

There are both health benefits and risks to be aware of when taking HRT. Your healthcare provider can help determine if the benefits of HRT outweigh its risks.  

A main benefit of HRT is that it relieves uncomfortable symptoms of menopause, which can lead to a better quality of life and allow you to get back to enjoying your daily activities. The benefits of HRT include: 

• Helping with vaginal dryness and uncomfortable sex 

• Helping with hot flashes and night sweats 

• Helping with estrogen deficiency 

Other health benefits of taking HRT include: 

• Reduces your risk of developing osteoporosis or breaking a bone 

• Improves your sleep 

• Improves mood and overall happiness in some people 

• Reduces your risk of developing diabetes 

• Combination therapy lowers your risk of developing colon cancer 

Although HRT can help you get through menopause as you deal with it, it comes with potential risks, including: 

• Increased risk of uterine cancer, only if you still have a uterus and aren’t taking progestin along with estrogen 

• Increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use in some people 

• Increased risk of heart disease if you begin using HRT 10 years after menopause starts  

• Increased risk of blood clots and stroke 

• Increased risk of gallbladder disease 

It’s important to note that many of these potential risks have to do with your overall health and family history of health conditions. It is important to discuss any individual risks with your healthcare provider.  

If HRT doesn’t work for you or if your healthcare provider doesn’t think you would benefit from it, they may offer alternative options that may help your symptoms. Alternative options include: 

• Antidepressants for hot flashes 

• Over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal lubricants 

• Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) for hot flashes and painful sexual intercourse 

• Fezolinetant or paroxetine, which are FDA-approved for treating hot flashes 

If you are experiencing menopause symptoms and are interested in HRT, you can get more information about Jamaica Hospital Medical Center’s endocrinology service or make an appointment by calling 718-206-7001. 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.