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HRT Debate Dictionary
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androgen: Any compound which controls the development of masculine characteristics in the body, and includes testosterone.
BHRT: Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy; a controversial treatment for the symptoms of menopause in which patients receive doses of steroid hormones meant to mimic those occurring naturally in the body.
biphosphates: A drug which is often prescribed along with lifestyle changes for women who wish to prevent osteoporosis without HRT.
breast cancer: Cancer of cells in the breast; there is an increased risk for breast cancer among women on HRT or estrogen.
calcitonin: A hormone which regulates vitamin D within the body and may be used to prevent osteoporosis.
calcium: A mineral vital to bone health; doctors recommend increased calcium intake in order to maintain high bone density and prevent osteoporosis.
ccHRT: Continuous combined HRT; a dosage of HRT in which estrogen and progestins are both taken daily.
CEE: Conjugated equine estrogens; the most commonly prescribed form of estrogens used in HRT which are still being studied for their side effects.
cholesterol: Lipids which are transported through the body in the bloodstream; in certain HRT patients, an increase in cholesterol levels has been reported.
clotting: The coagulation of blood cells along a vessel wall which may lead to stroke or embolism; in some patients clotting occurred during HRT.
colorectal cancer: Cancerous growths in the colon or rectum; there is a decreased risk of colorectal cancer among women on HRT.
contraindications: Conditions under which a woman should not begin HRT, which include liver disease, pregnancy, certain cancers or family histories of cancer and more.
coronary heart disease: A build-up of plaque on artery walls which can inhibit blood flow to the heart and lead to heart attack; there is an increase in the occurrence of coronary heart disease among women on HRT.
dosage: The amount of HRT drugs taken by a patient; the FDA recommends taking the lowest dosage possible.
duration: The length of time on which a patient remains on HRT drugs; the FDA recommends staying on HRT drugs for the shortest duration possible.
endometrial cancer: A cancer which occurs in the lining of the uterus; there is an increased chance of developing endometrial cancer while on HRT, but adding progestin can decrease the risk.
estradiol: A sex hormone; the major source of estrogen in humans.
estriol: One of three sources of estrogen in humans, usually only produced during pregnancy.
estrogen: The female sex hormone, a steroid hormone which is used in hormone replacement therapy to treat harsh symptoms of menopause.
estrone: The lowest-occurring estrogen in the human body, produced by the ovary.
