Which hormones are primarily involved in hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing menopause?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women undergoing menopause commonly involves the use of both estrogen and progesterone. This combination is particularly significant because while estrogen helps alleviate many menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, progesterone plays a crucial role in protecting the endometrial lining of the uterus.

When estrogen is administered without progesterone in women who still have their uterus, there is an increased risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which can lead to cancer. Therefore, adding progesterone helps counterbalance this risk by making the uterine lining shed regularly, thereby minimizing potential complications associated with unopposed estrogen.

This synergistic approach not only helps manage menopausal symptoms effectively but also promotes overall safety in HRT. For women who have had a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), HRT may involve estrogen alone, as the risk of endometrial complications is not present. Nonetheless, for the majority of women experiencing menopause, the combined regimen of estrogen and progesterone is the standard recommendation in hormone replacement therapy.