In recent years, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has undergone many changes and controversies. Initially, HRT, usually consisting of estrogen and progestin, was believed to be beneficial for women during and after menopause. However, the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study showed that HRT might have life-threatening risks, such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. This led many women to stop using HRT. Recent studies, however, indicate that HRT may have protective benefits for women early in menopause, such as preventing heart disease, hip fractures, and osteoporosis, and reducing the risk of diabetes. These benefits may not be significant in older women and HRT might also increase the risk of blood clots. Overall, the use of HRT needs to be personalized, and women should discuss with their doctors whether to use HRT based on their symptoms, family history, lifestyle, and disease risk.