What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause, which occurs when the body produces less oestrogen and progesterone.
HRT replaces these hormones to help manage symptoms such as:
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Mood swings and sleep disturbances
- Osteoporosis prevention
HRT can be taken in different forms, such as tablets, patches, gels, creams, or vaginal preparations. The type of HRT recommended depends on individual health factors and the severity of symptoms.
Who is HRT suitable for?
HRT may be a good option if you:
- Experience moderate to severe menopausal symptoms that affect daily life.
- Have early menopause or ovarian insufficiency before the age of 40.
- Need protection against osteoporosis and have risk factors such as a family history of fractures.
However, HRT may not be suitable if you:
- Have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, or heart disease.
- Experience unexplained vaginal bleeding.
- Have liver disease or other contraindications.
How does HRT work, and what are the options?
HRT can be taken in different forms, depending on individual needs:
- Tablets – Oral options like Estramon, Zumenon, and Femoston provide systemic hormone replacement.
- Patches – Dermestril is a transdermal patch that delivers hormones through the skin.
- Gels – Gynokadin gel is applied directly to the skin for absorption.
- Vaginal creams and tablets – Oekolp and Clodin are local oestrogen treatments for vaginal dryness.
HRT can also be:
- Oestrogen-only HRT (for women who have had a hysterectomy).
- Combined HRT (oestrogen + progesterone) for women with an intact uterus to protect against endometrial cancer.
