What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is specifically designed to relieve menopausal symptoms that many women experience due to the decline in estrogen and progesterone levels during this transitional phase of life. These symptoms can include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and other discomforts that can significantly affect quality of life. HRT helps to manage these symptoms by replenishing hormones that the body is no longer producing adequately.

In contrast, other choices do not accurately define HRT. Increasing testosterone levels is a different treatment that may be relevant for certain conditions but is not the primary focus of HRT during menopause. A surgical procedure for menopause does not exist, as menopause is a natural biological phase, not a medical condition that requires surgical intervention. Lastly, exercise therapy can support overall health and well-being during menopause but does not replace hormones or mitigate symptoms like HRT does. Thus, the focus on symptom relief firmly establishes HRT's role in menopausal care.