estrogen replacement therapy

estrogen replacement therapy The use of natural or synthetic estrogen to treat changes associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, disturbed sleep, and vaginal dryness, that are associated with decreased estrogen levels. Abbreviated ERT. ERT can also prevent osteoporosis, which can be a consequence of decreased estrogen levels. Vaginal ERT products help with vaginal dryness, more severe vaginal changes, and bladder effects. The use of unopposed ERT (that is, ERT alone) is associated with an increase in the risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). However, taking the hormone progestogen along with estrogen reduces the risk of endometrial cancer substantially. See also hormone replacement therapy.