HRT explained

Hormone Replacement therapy (HRT) is a commonly prescribed treatment for menopausal symptoms. As the name suggests, it replaces the hormones that are lost during the menopause.

Not every woman is suitable for HRT. Your healthcare professional will make an assessment of your symptoms and counsel you on what the best treatment is for you.

HRT is available in different types, formulations and can be taken via different routes.

There are three main routes - your doctor or healthcare professional will discuss with you, which route is the most appropriate for you.​

Orally via the mouth as a tablet

Transdermal (through the skin) methods. They can take the form of an adhesive patch, gel or spray

For vaginal and bladder symptoms, oestrogen can be taken as a small vaginal tablet, pessary, cream or vaginal ring inserted within the vagina

WHAT DOES HRT DO?

HRT helps to relieve the symptoms caused by oestrogen deficiency in women — such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and osteoporosis and other menopausal symptoms.​

WHAT’S RIGHT FOR ME?

Every woman is an individual and the HRT that will best suit you will depend on your individual circumstances, including your stage in the menopausal process, and whether or not you’ve had a hysterectomy. There are many types of different HRT treatments; it is essential that you understand both the short and long-term benefits and risks of each to ensure that you maintain the best possible health and quality of life at every stage of the menopause.

Your healthcare professional will discuss the HRT options with you and you both should make a decision based on your individual needs.

Remember, not every woman is suitable for HRT. Your healthcare professional will assess you and counsel you on what the best treatment option is for you, that is individualised to your needs.​

WHAT’S IN HRT?

Most HRT contains two hormones – an oestrogen and progestogen. The oestrogen helps relieve the symptoms of the menopause, whereas the progestogen is there to protect the lining of your womb (uterus).

OESTROGEN ALONE

The core ingredient of all forms of HRT is oestrogen. Oestrogen relieves symptoms such as hot flushes, prevents vaginal symptoms and some strengths of oestrogen can help to maintain bone health.

Women who have had their womb removed may be able to take oestrogen only HRT. Your healthcare professional will decide which treatment is best for you.​

Oestrogen only HRT comes in different strengths and different formulations. It is available as a tablet, patch, spray or gel.​

OESTROGEN & PROGESTOGEN

If you have a womb your healthcare professional will normally offer you​ HRT that contains both oestrogen and progestogen. The oestrogen helps relieve the symptoms of the menopause, whereas the progestogen is there to protect the lining of your womb (uterus).​

Oestrogen plus progestogen is known as ‘combined HRT’.

In women who have had a partial hysterectomy (with their cervix intact), some womb lining (endometrium) may still remain, so progestogen may be required in combination with oestrogen. Talk to your healthcare professional about which HRT would be most suitable for your individual needs.

Remember, not every woman is suitable for HRT. Your healthcare professional will assess you and counsel you on what the best treatment option is for you, that is individualised to your needs.

TO BLEED OR NOT TO BLEED

The way in which progestogen is taken along with the oestrogen determines whether or not the HRT will lead to bleeding. Adding progestogen for 10 to 14 days a month, means that a bleed occurs in the days following this course, similar to that of a natural menstrual cycle.

If continuous progestogen is given, in combination with oestrogen for 28 days of the month it means that most women will not have a bleed when taking this type of HRT.​

Your healthcare professional will advise on which type of HRT is best suited to you, this decision depends on where you are on your menopause journey and your personal health characteristics.​