Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained

When dealing with Hormone Replacement Therapy, the medical use of hormones to restore levels that have dropped due to age, surgery, or disease. Also known as HRT, it aims to relieve symptoms and protect long‑term health. Hormone replacement therapy is a broad umbrella that includes several specific approaches, each targeting a different hormone deficit.

Key Forms and Related Concepts

One of the most common branches is Estrogen Therapy, a type of HRT that adds estrogen to ease hot flashes, night sweats, and bone loss in women. Women going through menopause often start estrogen therapy to counteract the sharp drop in natural estrogen. Another major branch is Testosterone Replacement, the supplementation of testosterone to improve energy, muscle mass, and libido in men with low levels. Men entering andropause or recovering from certain medical conditions may benefit from this approach. A growing niche is Bioidentical Hormones, compounded hormones that match the body’s own molecular structure, often marketed as a “natural” alternative. While some patients prefer bioidenticals for perceived safety, the science on their risk‑benefit profile is still evolving.

These three forms illustrate how hormone replacement therapy encompasses estrogen therapy, testosterone replacement, and bioidentical hormones. Because hormone levels affect many body systems, hormone replacement therapy requires regular blood work, symptom tracking, and dose adjustments to stay in the therapeutic window. Menopause influences the decision to start estrogen therapy, while andropause influences the move toward testosterone replacement. Understanding the link between hormone decline and conditions like osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and mood changes helps clinicians choose the right regimen.
Below you'll find a curated set of articles that dig into specific medications, safety tips, cost‑saving tricks, and lifestyle tweaks that go hand‑in‑hand with hormone replacement therapy. Dive in to see how each piece fits into the bigger picture of managing hormonal health.