Hormone therapy can help people feel better when their hormone levels change, but the medical terms used to describe it can be confusing. Words like HRT, HT, BHT, and MHT are sometimes used in similar ways, but some of them have different meanings. For someone learning about hormone therapy, these terms can make the topic feel more complicated than it needs to be.(1)
Hormone therapy is a treatment that helps bring hormone levels back into balance. It’s often used during menopause, as people age, or when certain health conditions affect the body’s hormone levels. There are different types of hormone therapy, and they can vary in how they are made, how they are used, and who they are meant for.
This article explains what these common terms mean and how they work.
What is hormone therapy?
Hormone therapy is a treatment that helps bring hormone levels back into balance when the body makes too little or when levels become uneven. It’s often used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, support people going through gender transition, or help manage health problems related to hormones.(1)
The most common hormones used in this therapy are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones affect many parts of the body. For instance, estrogen and progesterone help with the menstrual cycle, bone strength, and heart health. Testosterone helps with energy, mood, muscle strength, and sex drive in all genders.
There are many ways to take hormone therapy. It can come as pills, patches, creams, gels, injections, or small implants placed under the skin. Some hormone treatments are made in standard doses and approved by the FDA. Others are compounded, which means they’re made in a pharmacy to fit a person’s exact needs.
These compounded treatments often use the same FDA-approved ingredients but allow for more flexibility in how much of each hormone is used and how it’s delivered. Both standard and compounded options can be helpful. The best choice depends on the person’s symptoms, health history, and preferences and should be guided by a healthcare provider.
Difference Between Acronyms: HRT, HT, BHT, and MHT
Hormone therapy is often described using different short forms, or acronyms. These can be confusing because some are used in similar ways, even though they don’t always mean the same thing. Knowing what each one stands for can help make things clearer:
HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy): This is the traditional term used to describe hormone treatment for women going through menopause or with hormone deficiencies.
HT (Hormone Therapy): This broader term includes all types of hormone treatments, including gender-affirming care, hormonal imbalances, and aging-related changes in all genders.(2)(3)
BHT (Bioidentical Hormone Therapy): This refers to hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body, often derived from plant sources. These may be available in commercial forms or compounded by a pharmacy to match an individual’s exact needs.
MHT (Menopausal Hormone Therapy): MHT is the modern term preferred by many healthcare professionals when referring to hormone replacement therapy during or after menopause.
Comparing HRT, HT, BHT, and MHT
Understanding the differences between hormone therapy terms can help patients make more informed decisions. To make sense of the landscape, it’s helpful to look at how each approach compares across several key factors:(2)(3)(4)(5)
Term | Full Form | Hormone Source | Customization | FDA Status | Common Use |
HRT | Hormone Replacement Therapy | Synthetic or bioidentical | Standardized or compounded | Uses FDA-approved products or FDA-approved ingredients | Menopause, gender affirmation |
HT | Hormone Therapy | Synthetic or bioidentical | Standardized or compounded | Uses FDA-approved products or FDA-approved ingredients | Menopause, gender affirmation, and aging-related hormonal disorders |
BHT | Bioidentical Hormone Therapy | Bioidentical | Customized (compounded) or commercial | Uses FDA-approved ingredients | Menopause, hormone imbalance, and aging-related symptoms |
MHT | Menopausal Hormone Therapy | Synthetic or bioidentical | Standardized or compounded | Uses FDA-approved products or FDA-approved ingredients | Menopausal symptom relief and long-term health support |
Choosing the Right Hormone Therapy for You
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to hormone therapy. What works well for one person may not suit another, and that’s why personalization matters. Choosing the right type of hormone therapy involves looking at a patient’s age, symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences, all under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider:
Symptoms and Goals: Some people seek relief from hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Others want to address vaginal dryness, mood swings, or low energy. For some, the goal is long-term support for bone health or cardiovascular well-being. A clear understanding of the patient’s main concerns can help guide the best therapy.
Health History: Conditions like breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, or blood clots can influence what type of hormone therapy is the safest for each patient. A healthcare provider will help weigh the potential risks and benefits based on individual background.
Delivery Method: Hormones can be delivered in many ways: pills, patches, creams, gels, injections, or vaginal forms. Each option affects how the hormone is absorbed and how quickly it works. For instance, transdermal creams and gels are applied to the skin and may have fewer systemic side effects than oral forms.
Personalization and Dosing: FDA-approved products come in fixed doses, which work well for many people. However, if individual needs fall outside those options, or if a patient tried standard therapies without success, a compounded hormone cream may allow for more flexible dosing and a better fit.
Cost and Access: Insurance plans may cover FDA-approved hormone products, while compounded therapies are often paid out of pocket. However, the ability to tailor the dose and form, especially in a cream that combines multiple hormones, can offer long-term value, particularly for those who haven’t found relief with standard therapies.
Making Informed Decisions About Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy comes in many forms, and understanding the differences between HRT, HT, BHT, and MHT can help women make choices that are safe, effective, and aligned with their needs. While HT is the broadest term, HRT and MHT focus mainly on menopause-related care, and BHT offers a personalized approach using bioidentical hormones that match those naturally produced by the body.
Whether a patient chooses a standardized or compounded option, the most important factor is working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who can give guidance based on individual symptoms, health history, and goals. Compounded therapies use FDA-approved hormone ingredients in custom formulations that aren't always available in commercial products, offering more flexibility and precision.
Hormone therapy is a constantly evolving field, and ongoing research continues to shape best practices. Stay informed, ask questions, and look beyond marketing claims. Read labels, understand your options, and always make decisions based on science and support, not just trends.
If you're considering hormone therapy, talk to your provider about what’s right for you. Personalized care starts with informed choices.
