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Hormone Therapy (HT) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the giving of the female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, and sometimes testosterone.
Oestrogen (also known as estrogen) and progesterone are produced in the ovaries during a woman's reproductive life. At menopause, levels of these hormones fall dramatically until, in post-menopausal years, small amounts of each are produced by the adrenal glands instead of the ovaries.
Testosterone is produced by the adrenal glands and the ovaries. Levels decline gradually over a woman's life, but are significantly reduced in women who have had both ovaries removed.
Hormone Therapy Resources
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Hormones |
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Until menopause, a woman produces three different natural female hormones. |
| Hormone Therapy |
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Hormone Therapy (HT) or Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the giving of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. |
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HT Benefits and Risks |
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Short term use of hormone therapy (HT) may be useful for women experiencing more severe symptoms of menopause. |
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Hormone Therapy Side Effects |
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Some women may experience nausea, fluid retention, breast enlargement and discomfort, particularly during the first few months of taking HT. |
| Androgens (testosterone) |
| Testosterone also appears to have important favourable effects on mood, well being, energy and 'vitality' in women. |
| Million Women Study |
| The Million Women Study (MWS) is a UK national study of women's health, involving around one million women aged 50 and over. |
| Women's Health Initiative USA |
| The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was established to address the most common causes of death, disability and impaired quality of life in USA postmenopausal women. |
Content updated March 25, 2008
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Menopause Therapy 
