HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy. It’s a medical treatment used to supplement or replace hormones that the body no longer produces in sufficient amounts—most commonly estrogen and progesterone in women during menopause, but also testosterone in some men or women with deficiencies.
๐ฉ⚕️ In Women: HRT is Primarily Used To
-
Relieve menopausal symptoms, such as:
-
Hot flashes
-
Night sweats
-
Vaginal dryness
-
Mood swings
-
Sleep problems
-
-
Prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis after menopause.
๐งฌ Types of HRT for Women
-
Estrogen-only HRT
-
For women who've had a hysterectomy (no uterus).
-
-
Combined HRT (Estrogen + Progesterone)
-
For women who still have a uterus (progesterone protects against endometrial cancer).
-
๐ Forms of HRT
-
Pills
-
Skin patches
-
Gels or creams
-
Vaginal rings or tablets
-
Injections or implants
๐จ⚕️ HRT for Men
-
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is used to treat low testosterone levels, often due to aging or certain medical conditions.
-
Can improve libido, energy, muscle mass, mood, and bone density.
⚠️ Risks and Considerations
-
HRT isn’t for everyone. It may slightly increase the risk of:
-
Blood clots
-
Stroke
-
Breast cancer (especially with long-term use of combined HRT)
-
-
Risk varies depending on age, health history, type of hormones, and how HRT is administered.
✅ Is HRT Safe?
-
For most healthy women under age 60 or within 10 years of menopause, HRT is considered safe and effective when used appropriately.
-
Always discuss personal risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.