Hormone Replacement Therapy: HSA Eligibility

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is also known as Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) or Menopausal Replacement Therapy (MRT). It's a therapy that relieves some symptoms of menopause, which is a normal part of aging for women. Certain forms of hormone replacement therapy carry higher risks of side effects such as breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Hormone replacement therapy normally occurs in the form of a medication with hormones that replace what is lost during menopause (Medical News Today).

Hormone replacement therapy may be administered in several ways. There is a form called system hormone therapy which uses pills, skin patches, gels, creams and/or sprays to relief severe symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and night sweats. Estrogen administered via hormone replacement therapy may also ease symptoms such as vaginal dryness, itching, burning, and discomfort during intercourse (WebMD).

Hormone replacement is still approved for treating osteoporosis, or the thinning of the bones, but there are other more effective treatments that a doctor is likely to prescribe (eMedicineHealth).

Hormone replacement therapy isn't recommended as often anymore for long-term prevention of postmenopausal symptoms, in part due to side effects and increased risk of heart disease. Other side effects include difficulty detecting breast cancer via mammogram due to breast tissue which grows denser, and an increased risk of breast cancer when HRT is used for long periods of time (several years).