Hormone therapy (HT), 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 HT use. While most women do not develop health problems with HT, a very small number of women get breast cancer, stroke, or blood clots related to hormone use. HT 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.