Hormone Replacement Therapy & Menopause: What You Need to Know

Hormone Replacement Therapy & Menopause: What You Need to Know

Written By
Maclaine Borne
Published
April 23, 2025

Menopause is a natural transition in every woman’s life, but it often comes with symptoms that can be challenging, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal discomfort (1) . There are many approaches to managing these symptoms, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one option. Understanding how HRT works, its potential benefits, and considerations can help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you.

 

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that supplements the body with estrogen or a combination of estrogen and progesterone to help alleviate menopause symptoms. It aims to restore hormone levels closer to what the body produced before menopause (2).

There are two primary types of HRT (3):

  • Estrogen therapy: Recommended for women who have had a hysterectomy. It is available in pills, patches, gels, sprays, or vaginal forms.
  • Combination therapy: Includes both estrogen and progesterone, prescribed for women who still have their uterus to help protect against endometrial overgrowth, which can lead to cancer.

 

Potential Benefits of HRT

For many women, HRT can provide meaningful relief from menopause symptoms, including (3):

  • Reduction in hot flashes and night sweats
  • Improved sleep quality
  • Relief from vaginal dryness and discomfort
  • Support for bone health, reducing the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures

 

Some research also suggests that HRT may have positive effects on heart health when started early in menopause, though this depends on individual risk factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

 

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical treatment, HRT is not without risks. The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study found that certain types of HRT may be associated with an increased risk of (4):

  • Blood clots and stroke (particularly with oral estrogen)
  • Breast cancer (linked to long-term use of combined HRT)
  • Endometrial cancer (if estrogen is taken without progesterone in women with a uterus)

 

However, the risks vary based on factors such as age, timing of treatment, and personal health history. Newer research suggests that the benefits of HRT may outweigh the risks for some women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause (5).

 

How to Know if HRT is Right for You

Deciding whether HRT is right for you is a personal decision best made in partnership with a healthcare professional. Some questions to ask include:

  • What are my individual risks based on my health history?
  • What type and dose of HRT would be appropriate for me?
  • Are there alternative options if I decide not to take HRT?
  • How long should I stay on HRT if I start it?

 

The Bottom Line

While HRT is an effective option for many women, it’s not the only way to support your body during menopause. Lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and non-hormonal solutions may also provide relief. As always, it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks of any intervention based on your individual health profile. Consulting with a trusted healthcare professional will help you find the right approach for you.

 

Additional Resources:

 

References
  1. n.d. (2025, March 11). Menopause symptoms and relief. Office of Women's Health. https://womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-symptoms-and-relief
  2. n.d. (2024, February 1). Frequently Asked Questions. Hormone Therapy for Menopause. https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/hormone-therapy-for-menopause
  3. n.d. (2024, 12 3). Hormone Therapy for Menopause Symptoms. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15245-hormone-therapy-for-menopause-symptoms
  4. Harper-Harrison G, Carlson K, Shanahan MM. Hormone Replacement Therapy. [Updated 2024 Oct 6]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/
  5. n.d. (2025, March 15). Menopause hormone therapy: is it right for you? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/in-depth/hormone-therapy/art-20046 372#:~:text=The%20benefits%20of%20menopause%20hormone,moderate%20to%20severe%20 hot%20flashes

 

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