Definition of Hormone therapy (HT)
Hormone therapy (HT) or hormone
replacement therapy (HRT): The combination therapy of estrogen plus a
progestogen. Formerly, hormone replacement therapy
(HRT).
Estrogen therapy (ET) is used to treat the symptoms of
menopause. It reduces
or stops the short-term changes of menopause such as hot flashes, disturbed
sleep, and vaginal dryness. Estrogen therapy can prevent osteoporosis, a consequence of
lowered estrogen levels. Vaginal estrogen therapy products help with vaginal dryness, more
severe vaginal changes, and bladder effects but, since very little vaginal
estrogen enters the circulation, it may not help with hot flashes or prevent
osteoporosis.
The use of unopposed estrogen therapy (ET alone) is associated with an increase in the risk
of endometrial cancer
(cancer of the lining of the uterus). However, by taking
the hormone progestogen along with estrogen, the risk of endometrial cancer is
reduced substantially. Progestogen protects the uterus by keeping the lining of
the wall of the uterus (endometrium) from thickening (an effect caused by
estrogen). The combination therapy of estrogen plus progestogen -- hormone
therapy (HT) – was in common use. Data in 2002 from the Women's Health
Initiative (WHI), however, showed that hormone therapy may be associated with certain health
risks. Specifically, postmenopausal women
taking the combination estrogen-progestin (Prempro) were at a small but definite
increased risk for developing heart disease, breast cancer, stroke, and blood clots when compared
with women not taking hormone therapy. The risks for women taking estrogen
therapy alone without
progesterone included an increased risk for stroke and blood clots.
Newer data has suggested that estrogen may decrease risk
for heart disease
when taken early rather than later in the postmenopausal period, but the overall
risks and benefits of hormone therapy are not fully understood.
While long-term hormone therapy is no longer recommended, hormone therapy may still play a role in the
treatment of severe menopausal symptoms, particularly in younger women. The
healthcare provider can help to weigh the risks and benefits of estrogen therapy or
hormone therapy on a
case-by-case basis.
Last Editorial Review: 2/3/2009Common Misspellings: hormone replacement therpy (hrt)
- estradiol, Estrace, Climara, Estraderm - Deciphers the medication estradiol (Estrace, Climara, Estraderm), a drug prescribed for the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause, prevention of bone fractures associated with osteoporosis, reduction of the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.
- Pap Smear - Read about Pap smear, a test to screen for cervical cancer, and precancerous changes in the cervix. Risk factors for abnormal Pap include HPV, smoking medicaitons, and a weakened immune system.
- Ovarian Cancer - Get information on ovarian cancer symptoms, diagnosis, tests, staging, research, surgery and risk factors. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.
Latest Medical News
Back to MedTerms online medical dictionary A-Z List
Menopause RSS