Hormone Replacement Therapy – HRT Hormone replacement therapy
(HRT) is when female hormones (oestrogen by itself or with
progesterone) are given to a woman during or after menopause
when the production of oestrogen by the ovaries declines. The
hormones can be taken as tablets, implants or skin patches. HRT
has become less popular in recent years because a large study in
the USA found that long-term use of HRT can increase the risk of
some serious diseases, such as breast cancer and blood clots.
However, for some women, short-term use of HRT (no more than 3–4
years) can provide relief from symptoms caused by having less
oestrogen in their bodies, such as hot flushes and loss of bone
density. The risks and benefits of HRT should be thoroughly
discussed with a doctor before treatment begins.