The hormones responsible for female sex characteristics are estrogens.   Decline of estrogen begins in premenopausal years and continues to decline through menopause.  The signs and symptoms women experience in menopause are a result of the decrease in estrogen produced by the body. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) is prescribed to lessen symptoms of menopause and as a preventative for other medical problems.

HRT usually consists of an estrogen hormone plus a progestogen (progestin) hormone.  Estrogen therapy alone (ERT) may be prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy, but naturally menopausal women usually take the two hormones to protect against endometrial cancer.  There is a risk for women who have not had a hysterectomy in taking estrogen alone.  Dosages depend on the individual patient's requirements.  Doses and scheduling need to be adjusted to completely resolve symptoms.  Oral and skin patches (for estrogen) are available as well as estrogen cream for vaginal symptoms.

HRT should alleviate hot flashes and vaginal symptoms.  Usage of HRT should help ease emotional and nervous symptoms of menopause such as depression, insomnia and irritability.

A woman should discuss the benefits and risks associated with hormone therapy according to individual medical history, general health, age and other considerations.  Women should be careful if there have been previous reactions to estrogens or if smoking or taking other prescriptions.   Family history of bone disease, cancer, endometriosis, epilepsy, gallbladder, heart or circulatory disease, stroke, kidney or liver disease, migraine headaches, excess calcium in the blood, fibroids all need to be discussed with your physician.

HRT's are contraindicated in those with breast cancer, blood-clotting disorders, pregnancy, endometrial cancer and undiagnosed vaginal bleeding which should be addressed before taking hormones.

The most common undesirable side effect is uterine bleeding.  Your doctor should be advised.  Other side effects include headaches, pelvic cramping, depression, fatigue, mood changes, breast tenderness, and swollen feet or legs.  Sudden or severe headache, sudden loss of coordination, sudden loss or change in vision, pains in the chest, groin or leg, sudden unexplained shortness of breath, sudden slurring of speech, weakness or numbness in leg or arm.

 As with  will all prescriptions, discuss your concerns with your physician.  Those taking hormones should have an annual pelvic exam with PAP test and a mammogram.