estrogen replacement therapy, administration of an estrogen to treat estrogen deficiency, such as that occurring after menopause. There are a number of indications, including treatment of vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, and of thinning of the skin and vaginal epithelium, atrophic vaginitis, and vulvar atrophy. In women with a uterus, a progestational agent is usually included to prevent endometrial hyperplasia. Also called hormone replacement therapy.
