Hormone therapy is an effective treatment for controlling hot flashes by replacing the estrogen lost in menopause. However, it must be used carefully because studies have linked it to an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, heart disease, and blood clots. Guidelines call for women in greatest need to take the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time.
If you don’t have a uterus, your doctor may prescribe estrogen-only therapy. If you have a uterus, you may take estrogen plus progestin therapy. Progestin is added to protect against the risk of uterine cancer from taking estrogen alone. Hormone therapy is the only treatment approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for menopausal-symptom relief and is also effective against vaginal dryness and night sweats. Hormone therapy can prevent bone loss.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe:
- Estrogen and progesterone if you have your uterus.
- Estrogen, if you’ve had surgery to remove your uterus (hysterectomy)