Let’s Talk Terminology: Why It’s Time to Retire “HRT”
Let’s Talk Terminology: Why It’s Time to Retire “HRT”
You may have heard it called “HRT”—hormone replacement therapy.
You may have seen it online, in older health books, or even printed on prescription bottles.
But here at Zen Medical Care, we want to take a moment to talk about why we don’t use that term anymore—and why words matter when it comes to your care.
Across the medical world, the preferred language has shifted to menopause hormone therapy (MHT) or simply hormone therapy (HT). These terms are recommended by The Menopause Society, the International Menopause Society, the Endocrine Society, and other leading health organizations.
So, what’s wrong with “HRT”? Let’s unpack it—because what we call something shapes how we think about it.
What’s in a Name? More Than You Think.
The term “hormone replacement therapy” suggests something is broken or missing—something abnormal that needs correcting. And that’s the problem.
Using the word “replacement” implies menopause is a disease or deficiency, like diabetes or thyroid failure. In those cases, replacing a hormone makes sense—because something in the body has malfunctioned.
But menopause is not a disease. It’s a normal, expected biological transition. We don’t call puberty a hormone disorder. Why would we pathologize menopause?
Yes, menopause can bring real and disruptive symptoms—hot flashes, brain fog, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and more. And yes, many of these symptoms can be treated with hormone therapy.
But the care we provide is supportive, not corrective. You are not broken. You are evolving.
Why Medical Terminology Matters
Language isn’t just a technicality—it’s a tool of empowerment or disempowerment. It can either reinforce old models rooted in shame and silence, or it can move us toward clarity, dignity, and agency.
Using MHT (or HT) respects the natural process of menopause and recognizes that supporting health is different from correcting dysfunction. The word “replacement” reflects an outdated, and frankly, sexist framework—one that was heavily shaped by pharmaceutical marketing campaigns in the 1980s and 1990s.
Switching to menopause hormone therapy is more than modernizing our vocabulary—it’s about modernizing our mindset.
So Why Is “HRT” Still So Common?
It’s familiar. It’s searchable. And for some, it’s financially beneficial.
Clinics that promote “replacement” are often selling a disease model of menopause: “You’ve lost something, and we’re here to restore it.” Whether it’s synthetic hormone blends or compounded “natural” options, the sales pitch relies on the assumption that menopause makes you deficient, and that you must be “fixed.”
Here’s the truth: You don’t need to be fixed. You deserve to be supported.
At Zen Medical Care, our care isn’t built on fear. It’s built on facts. And that includes using the most accurate, respectful, and evidence-based terminology available.
When Does “Hormone Replacement” Still Make Sense?
There are a few exceptions. In cases of early menopause—due to surgery, chemotherapy, or primary ovarian insufficiency before age 40—hormone therapy can be considered a replacement for something lost too soon. In these cases, the ovaries are no longer producing hormones at the expected time, and therapy helps maintain health and prevent long-term risks.
Even then, the preferred term is still hormone therapy—because, again, accuracy matters.
The Heart of Zen Medical: Where Health Meets Empowerment
At Zen Medical, we don’t just treat symptoms; we empower women to take control of their health. From your first consultation to ongoing care, our team is dedicated to making sure you feel supported, heard, and equipped to live your best life. We believe that the path to wellness should never be limited by outdated thinking or arbitrary timeframes.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been considering hormone therapy or want to revisit your treatment options, our team is here to help. Call us today to schedule a consultation and explore how HT can continue to benefit your health and well-being for years to come.
Stay Empowered, Stay Zen
We’re with you on this journey—whether you’re 50, 60, or 80. Let Zen Medical be your partner in thriving through every chapter of life. You deserve nothing less.