What is the Origin of ERT Protocol?

The term is an abbreviation rooted in clinical practice within obstetrics, gynecology, and endocrinology, emerging from the initial development of hormone therapy in the mid-20th century. "ERT" stands for Estrogen Replacement Therapy, and "Protocol" denotes the structured, evidence-based guidelines for its safe and effective application. It historically precedes the more comprehensive term Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

What is the Mechanism of ERT Protocol?

The primary mechanism involves the exogenous estrogen binding to estrogen receptors (ER-alpha and ER-beta) located in various target tissues throughout the body, including the bone, brain, and vascular endothelium. This binding initiates genomic and non-genomic signaling cascades that regulate gene expression and cellular function. The protocol's specifics, such as transdermal delivery, are often chosen to bypass first-pass liver metabolism, influencing the synthesis of hepatic proteins and minimizing certain risks.

ERT Protocol ∞ Area

ERT Protocol

Meaning

ERT Protocol refers to a clinically defined plan for Estrogen Replacement Therapy, which is the administration of estrogen to women, typically following hysterectomy or in post-menopause without a uterus, to alleviate symptoms of hormone deficiency. The protocol specifies the type of estrogen, the dosage, the route of administration, and the schedule of treatment. This therapeutic regimen is designed to restore estrogen levels to a range that supports bone density, cardiovascular health, and neurocognitive function.