Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can often reduce the symptoms of menopause. It involves taking estrogen to replace the lost hormone and progestin to lower the risk of uterine cancer that can be increased when taking estrogen. If you’ve had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus, you do not need progestin for uterine protection. Hormones are given via pill, patch, gel, spray or vaginal cream, ring or tablet. Your Women First provider will help you find the hormone therapy that will work best for you.

Hormone therapy offers both benefits and some risks. Many women take HRT to ease the transition to menopause. This is usually for a relatively short period of time for symptom relief. Your provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks of hormone therapy to decide what plan is right for you.