Final answer:
Hormone replacement therapy replaces estrogen and progestin to manage menopause symptoms, but it involves risks like increased cancer chances. Careful, monitored use remains common for severe symptoms, and sex hormones are widely used in other medical treatments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the replacement of naturally secreted estrogen and progestin with exogenous hormones during the perimenopausal period. The goal of HRT is to alleviate symptoms of menopause, which can include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone density loss leading to osteoporosis. However, hormone therapy is carefully considered due to several potential risks. The Women's Health Initiative study was terminated early due to evidence of an increased risk of breast cancer with estrogen-only HT, and it did not show the expected cardiovascular benefits. Despite the risks, HRT is still used under current guidelines to reduce severe menopausal symptoms, using the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible, and involving regular health screenings.
Additionally, beyond menopause management, sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone are employed in various therapeutic applications including cancer chemotherapy, gender affirmation interventions for transgender individuals, and to counteract hormone deficits from surgical procedures like ovary removal.