Menopausal hormone therapy: what the sources say

What hormone therapy is and what it treats

MedlinePlus (US) describes hormone therapy for menopause as a treatment for menopause symptoms. It may also be called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. It is usually estrogen, or estrogen plus progestin, which is a type of progesterone made in a lab. It can come as pills, skin patches, rings, implants, gels, or creams. [2]

The Office on Women's Health (US) says hormone therapy can add some of the hormones that the ovaries no longer make. It says approved hormone therapies exist for three uses. These are moderate to severe hot flashes, bone loss and osteoporosis, and vaginal dryness and discomfort. MedlinePlus (US) says hormone therapy may be used for hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and to help prevent osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease that makes bones weak. [1] [2]

Benefits and risks the sources name

The Office on Women's Health (US) says hormone therapy has risks as well as benefits. It says the labeling lists risks including blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and some cancers. It adds that your own risks depend on your age, your health history, and the type, dose, and form of hormone therapy. [1]

The Office on Women's Health (US) also says the benefits are more likely to outweigh the risks if a woman starts before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. It says hormone therapy should not be taken just to prevent heart disease. It adds that experts do not yet know whether it prevents dementia. [3]

MedlinePlus (US) says hormone therapy for menopause, like all medicines, has benefits and risks. It says that if you decide to take it, your provider may recommend the lowest dose that works for the shortest time needed. [2]

Who the sources say should not use it

The Office on Women's Health (US) says hormone therapy is usually not recommended if you have certain conditions. It lists vaginal bleeding with no known cause, hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, and liver disease. It also lists having a blood clot, stroke, or heart attack now or recently. It adds that a past blood clot or gallbladder disease may affect which type is right for you. [3]

Other options the sources mention

The Office on Women's Health (US) says other medicines can help people who are unable or unwilling to use hormone therapy. It says three nonhormone medicines are approved for moderate to severe hot flashes. It also names two options that do not use medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) and clinical hypnosis. It says studies show these can reduce how much hot flashes bother you. [1]

MedlinePlus (US) says some people find they can manage symptoms with lifestyle changes. It says there are various non-hormone treatments too. [2]

MedlinePlus (US) also says that supplements, herbs, and over-the-counter "natural" hormone creams are sold for menopause symptoms. It says research on many of these products has mixed results. It adds that some supplements may cause harmful side effects or interact with medicines. [2]