HRT is the practice of medically providing the hormones women’s bodies no longer manufacture enough of after menopause. HRT hormone levels are generally lower than from birth control pills, since the dosage needed to control hot flashes and other symptoms is less than that needed to control ovulation. There are different kinds of HRT (varying levels of estrogen and/or progesterone) and different ways to administer (pills, vaginal creams, transdermal patches). The formulation and administration will depend on your needs, goals, risks, and the length of time you’ve been taking hormones.