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

DeRose tried a couple of different options, but hormone replacement therapy was what worked best for her. —Crystal McQuay, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026

The range of treatments mentioned earlier (such as supplements or menopausal hormone replacement therapy) may help, in addition to over-the-counter vaginal moisturizers or lubricants. —Jocelyn Solis-Moreira, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026

For years, doctors prescribed hormone replacement therapy to relieve these symptoms, but for some people, the risk of side effects outweighs the benefit. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2026

They might first be prescribed antidepressants instead of hormone replacement therapy. —Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hormone replacement therapy

• brachytherapy
• chemotherapy
• cryotherapy
• hydrotherapy
• hypnotherapy
• monotherapy
• phototherapy
• psychotherapy
• sclerotherapy
• immunotherapy
• pharmacotherapy
• physiotherapy

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