Hormone Replacement Therapy
Many symptoms of the menopause are caused by falling estrogen levels; HRT can reduce these symptoms by replacing the lost estrogen. You may be given progestogen as well as estrogen to protect your womb lining, unless you have had a hysterectomy, in which case progestogen is not necessary. HRT can be taken in a variety of ways, which include tablets, patches, gels, intra-uterine devices, vaginal rings, vaginal creams, pessaries or vaginal tablets.
HRT is very effective in relieving symptoms of the menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings and insomnia. HRT can also protect against osteoporosis whilst it is being taken.
While the benefits of HRT are clear, a link between HRT and an increased risk of breast cancer has been highlighted, which may stop some women from seeking treatment. The extra risk caused by HRT is in fact very small, and is related to the age at which you start taking HRT and the amount of time you have been taking it; family history and lifestyle based risk factors are more important in determining your risk of breast cancer or other conditions. You can find more information on the risks and benefits associated with HRT by clicking here.
You can find more information on HRT in the ‘Living with the menopause’ booklet.
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