What is Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)?

• A. A vaccine for menopause
• B. A treatment using only estrogen
• C. A treatment involving testosterone supplementation
• D. A treatment consisting of female hormone supplementation to reduce risks associated with estrogen loss

Answer: (D)

Menopausal Hormone Therapy is replacing the hormones the body makes less of after menopause to relieve symptoms and protect against consequences of estrogen loss. Estrogen loss causes hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep disruption, and an increased risk of osteoporosis, so this therapy provides estrogen back to the body to alleviate these issues. In people with a uterus, therapy typically includes a progestin along with estrogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer; in people without a uterus, estrogen alone is often sufficient. This approach is about female hormone supplementation, not a vaccine and not testosterone. While it can significantly improve quality of life and bone health, the plan is individualized, with attention to risks like blood clots, stroke, or breast cancer, and it’s usually used for the shortest duration that provides benefit.