Schedule preventive evaluations. Discuss with your doctor how often you need screening tests, mammograms in particular. If you're age 50 or older, you should have a mammogram every year. You may also want to talk to your doctor about a bone density test, which can help tell if you have osteoporosis or are at risk for it. Most women who take HRT use a combination of estrogen and a progestin, a form of progesterone.
Progestin helps protect against uterine cancer.
HRT comes in a variety of forms, including a pill, patch, cream and vaginal ring. Estrogen injections are also available, though they're no longer widely used. You can expect a reduction in both the number and severity of hot flashes, usually within 1 to 2 weeks. Improve vaginal and bladder symptoms. HRT restores vaginal lubrication and reduces the tendency for more frequent urination and urinary tract infections.