Hormone replacement therapy is a term used to describe treatment with female hormones after menopause.

Hormones used in hormone replacement therapy:

• Estrogen:
• Estradiol patch (Vivelle)
• Conjugated estrogens (Premarin)
• Topical estradiol:
• Estradiol gel (Divigel)
• For hot flashes
• Progesterone
• Progestin

Hormone replacement therapy for menopause may cause:

• Endometriosis
• Fibrocystic breast disease
• Gallbladder disease
• Gallstones
• High blood pressure
• Migraine headaches
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• Seizures
• Uterine fibroids

Hormone replacement therapy with estrogens can increase risk for:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Deep venous thrombosis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Uterine cancer
• Dementia