Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which is also called estrogen/progestin therapy, is the use of a combination of two hormones, estrogen and progestin. It can be used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, that result from the changing hormone levels that occur before and after the end of a woman's reproductive years (menopause).

There are certain health risks related to HRT use. While most women do not develop health problems with HRT, a very small number of women get breast cancer, stroke, or blood clots related to hormone use. HRT is also thought to increase the chance of heart disease or dementia in a small number of women.

Every woman should discuss with her doctor her health risks and treatment options for menopausal symptoms.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Carla J. Herman, MD, MPH - Geriatric Medicine
Last Revised	May 4, 2010