ERT
Meaning of ERT: ERT supplies estrogen to postmenopausal women or those without ovaries, and is distinguished from combined regimens that also include progesterone.
Definition of ERT
ERT, or estrogen replacement therapy, refers to hormones given to replace the estrogen that is no longer produced after menopause or after the ovaries have been surgically removed. Estrogen is given to help relieve symptoms related to its decline and to address certain long term effects of low estrogen levels.
ERT specifically refers to estrogen given alone, which is generally used in women who no longer have a uterus, since estrogen given without progesterone can cause the uterine lining to thicken abnormally over time. Women who still have a uterus more often receive a combined regimen that includes both estrogen and progesterone.
The abbreviation ERT is closely related to, but distinct from, broader hormone replacement therapy, a term that can include combined regimens and is used somewhat more often in current practice.
Also known as
Used in a sentence
ERT was discussed with the patient as one option for managing symptoms following surgical removal of the ovaries.
Good to know
ERT specifically denotes estrogen given alone, an approach generally reserved for women without a uterus, since combined estrogen and progesterone is more commonly used when the uterus is still present.