What is hormone replacement therapy and what is its role in treating menopause symptoms?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve menopause symptoms. During menopause, a woman's estrogen levels decrease, leading to uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. HRT is one of the most effective treatments for these symptoms. HRT includes estrogen therapy and combination therapy. Estrogen therapy is for women who have had their uterus removed, while combination therapy is for women who still have their uterus, as it combines estrogen and synthetic progesterone to lower the risk of endometrial cancer. Although HRT has many benefits, it also has risks, such as an increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. Therefore, doctors will weigh the pros and cons based on the patient's specific situation to provide personalized advice.