hormone replacement therapy

noun

: the therapeutic use of hormones typically to increase diminished levels in the body : hormone therapy

The usual treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy.

—Kate Murphy

especially : the administration of estrogen often along with a synthetic progestin especially to ameliorate the symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis

—abbreviation HRT

Examples of hormone replacement therapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That partly stems from a 2002 federal study of hormone replacement therapy that was abruptly suspended when researchers concluded the risks of blood clots, stroke and breast cancer outweighed its benefits, said Faubion, who is also medical director for The Menopause Society. —Tina Reed, Axios, 23 Jan. 2025

Low estrogen during menopause can be treated with medications such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT). —Wendy Wisner, Health, 26 Dec. 2024

Previously, players were expected to have transitioned via gender reassignment surgery and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2024

The clinic helps transgender youth find safe hormone replacement therapy, mental health services, STI and STD testing, and OB/GYN services for trans-masculine patients. —Rachel Murphy, Health, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

hormone replacement therapy

noun

: the therapeutic use of hormones typically to increase diminished levels in the body : hormone therapy

The usual treatment for hypothyroidism is hormone replacement therapy.

—Kate Murphy

especially : the administration of estrogen often along with a synthetic progestin especially to ameliorate the symptoms of menopause and reduce the risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis

—abbreviation HRT