FAQs
Q. My mother didn’t take any drugs to get her through her menopause – why should I?
A. Life expectancy has risen by 30 years since 1901 – as such, many women of that generation may not have experienced the menopause. The result of this increased lifespan is that a woman, on average, can now expect to live for perhaps 30 years or more after her menopause. To ensure you enjoy a healthy life during the menopause and into older age, it is important to consider the needs of your body and the demands on it both physically and mentally, and make decisions on any treatments based on your own personal symptoms and needs.
Q. At what stage of the menopause should I consider treatment for my symptoms?
A. Make your decision based on how you feel and how you are coping with the menopause. You may decide to try dietary and lifestyle changes to help cope with the menopause first and, if these do not help your symptoms, you may choose to consider further medical support. Use the symptom diary [Link] to help you decide.
Q. What if the HRT from my doctor doesn’t suit me?
A. Every woman is unique and what suits one woman may not suit another. Some women experience a few side effects in the first few weeks of starting their HRT treatment whilst their body readjusts to the new levels of hormones – these symptoms usually stop within a few weeks. If the symptoms do not improve, there are many different treatment options available. A discussion with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist may help you to choose an alternative option.
If you do experience any side effects, use the symptom diary [Link] to keep a record of these; do they happen at a particular time in the month? What are the symptoms? These questions will help your doctor, nurse or pharmacist decide on the most suitable treatments for you.
Q. What if I’m worried about the risks of taking HRT?
A. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you are worried about any of the risks of taking HRT.
Q. What if I don’t want to take HRT?
A. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about alternative treatments.
Q. Can I get pregnant while I am taking HRT?
A. HRT does not increase your chances of getting pregnant, neither does it act as a contraceptive.
Your fertility and your risk of pregnancy depends entirely on whether your natural menopause has already occurred. If you went through the menopause before you started HRT, you are less likely to get pregnant, but you should continue to use contraceptives for as long as your doctor, nurse or pharmacist recommends.
If you started HRT before your periods stopped, it will be difficult to know when you have stopped ovulating, as you will probably continue to have monthly bleeds due to the treatment. In this case, it may be appropriate to carry on using contraceptives; however, your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will advise you on this.