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Hormones & HRT
Hormone replacement therapy, explained clearly
HRT replaces the hormones your ovaries make less of after menopause. For many women it is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms, and the right choice depends on your own health and history.
What HRT can help with
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Sleep, mood and concentration
- Vaginal dryness and painful sex
- Joint aches
- Protecting bones and lowering fracture risk
Types of HRT
- Estrogen: as a skin patch, gel or tablet
- Progesterone: added for women who still have a womb, to protect its lining
- Vaginal estrogen: low-dose cream or tablet for dryness and urinary symptoms
- Other options: tibolone, testosterone for low libido in selected women, and non-hormonal medicines
Benefits and risks
For most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of their last period, the benefits of HRT usually outweigh the risks. Your doctor will weigh this with you.
Combined HRT is linked with a small increase in breast cancer risk with longer use. Estrogen-only HRT carries little or no increase. Regular breast screening continues.
HRT tablets slightly raise the risk of clots. Patches and gels applied to the skin do not appear to carry this risk.
Women with a history of breast cancer, unexplained vaginal bleeding, active liver disease or previous blood clots need specialist assessment, and other treatments may be better.
Myths and facts
"HRT always causes cancer."
FactThe risk depends on the type, dose and length of HRT and on your own history. For many women it is small.
"You can only take HRT for a short time."
FactThere is no fixed limit. Treatment is reviewed every year and continued while the benefits outweigh the risks.
"HRT makes you put on weight."
FactStudies have not shown that HRT causes weight gain. Midlife weight change is mainly due to menopause itself, age and lifestyle.
"Symptoms just have to be tolerated."
FactMenopause symptoms are treatable, with or without hormones.
This page is general information based on current international menopause guidelines. HRT is a prescription treatment and must be started and reviewed by a doctor.
Is HRT right for you?
Start with the free assessment. Dr Anagha will review your symptoms and history before discussing your options.