Glossary · Treatments

MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy)

Also called: Menopausal Hormone Therapy, HRT.

Definition: Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the contemporary preferred term for hormone replacement therapy. NAMS and other professional societies adopted MHT to emphasize that the goal is appropriate hormonal support during a life stage rather than "replacing" what was lost. MHT and HRT refer to the same treatment.

Detailed definition

The shift from "HRT" to "MHT" is essentially terminological — both refer to the same intervention of replacing estrogen and (when appropriate) progesterone. NAMS, the International Menopause Society, the British Menopause Society, and other groups now prefer MHT because it frames the therapy as supporting a normal physiological transition rather than treating a deficiency disease. In practice, both terms are used interchangeably in patient-facing communication, and "HRT" remains far more recognized by lay audiences.

Why it matters in menopause

Patients searching for "HRT" and providers writing in current professional literature using "MHT" are talking about the same thing. The terminology should not be a barrier to care.

Sources

External references: Wikipedia.

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