10. c. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is sometimes prescribed for menopausal women who still have a uterus.

Progestin helps prevent the increased risk of cancer of the uterine lining caused by estrogen, said Ann Voda, PhD, RN, professor emeritus of the University of Utah College of Nursing in Salt Lake City and past president of the North American Menopause Society. Since women who have had a hysterectomy don’t need to worry about uterine cancer, they can take estrogen alone to relieve some discomforting symptoms of the change of life. Although HRT and ERT (estrogen replacement therapy) may be advantageous for women with osteoporosis or other pre-existing conditions, Voda said, drugs are not an inevitable part of menopause. Many menopausal women fare very well without any hormone supplements, she said. Voda recommended that women discuss treatment options with their primary care provider.