Estrogen-progesterone-HRT-ERT-do you know the difference?  We hear a lot about hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, yet 7 out of 10 women cannot name the two most important female hormones.  HRT includes estrogen and progesterone, in many different brands, combinations, and doses.  It is often prescribed for women who have gone through menopause.  There are pills, patches, creams, vaginal rings, and injections.  Women who don't have a uterus can take estrogen alone; women with a uterus must take progesterone as well.

There are 2 major reasons women choose HRT:  to prevent or treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, decreased libido and sleeplessness and to prevent or reduce their risk from diseases caused or worsened by estrogen loss such as heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, and colon cancer.

HRT is not for everyone.  There are even some women who have conditions disqualifying them from taking estrogen.  There are some women who have side effects even on low doses.  There are also many women who could benefit from HRT but are scared by misleading stories.  For more information, click here.

Created: 9/6/2001  -  Donnica Moore, M.D.