Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medication that replaces the female hormones that a woman’s body stops making due to menopause. Menopause usually occurs when a woman is in her 50s, when levels of the female hormones estrogen and progesterone fall, and the ovaries stop producing eggs. Estrogen regulates the release of eggs from the ovaries, and other body functions including bone density, skin temperature and keeps the vagina moist. The reduction of estrogen causes menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, vaginal dryness, stress incontinence (leaking urine when coughing or sneezing). Progesterone prepares the womb for a possible pregnancy and helps to protect the lining of the womb (endometrium). HRT helps to relieve these symptoms. HRT can be taken by tablets –taken orally; a patch that sticks on the skin; an implant – under local anesthetic, small pellets of estrogen are inserted under the skin of the abdomen, buttock or thigh; estrogen gel – which is applied to the skin and absorbed. Two common types of HRT are Cyclical HRT (also known as Sequential HRT) and Continuous Combined HRT. HRT may not be suitable for people with a history of breast, ovarian or endometrial cancer, blood clots, heart disease or stroke; uncontrolled hypertension or women that are pregnant/may become pregnant.