Menopause

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Feeling like yourself again starts with understanding your options.

Menopause and perimenopause can bring changes that affect your sleep, mood, energy, comfort, and everyday life. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one treatment option that may help.

What is HRT?

As you approach menopause, your body begins producing less estrogen and progesterone. These changing hormone levels can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.

HRT works by replacing some of the hormones your body is producing less of.

What are the benefits of HRT?

For appropriate patients, HRT may help:

Reduce hot flashes and night sweats

Improve menopause-related sleep problems

Improve menopause-related anxiety and low mood

Relieve vaginal dryness

Protect bone health and help prevent osteoporosis

Support muscle strength

The NHS identifies relief of menopausal symptoms and prevention of osteoporosis among the important benefits of HRT.

What types of HRT are available?

Treatment can be personalized to your needs. Hormones may be provided through:

Tablets

Skin patches

Gels

Sprays

Vaginal estrogen treatments

If you still have your uterus, your healthcare provider will generally recommend estrogen with a progestogen to protect the uterine lining. Patients who have had a hysterectomy may be able to use estrogen-only HRT.

Is HRT right for me?

HRT isn't one-size-fits-all.

Your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms, age, medical history, personal risk factors, and treatment goals when discussing whether HRT is appropriate for you.

HRT can have risks as well as benefits. For example, combined HRT can slightly increase breast-cancer risk, and the risks associated with HRT vary depending on the treatment and the individual.

Current NICE menopause guidance emphasizes discussing the benefits and risks with a healthcare professional so patients can make an informed decision about treatment.

You don't have to simply "live with" menopause symptoms.

If symptoms are affecting your comfort, sleep, mood, relationships, or quality of life, talk with your healthcare provider about your options.

Questions to ask at your appointment

What symptoms could HRT help me with?

What type of HRT may be appropriate for me?

What are my personal benefits and risks?

Are there alternatives to HRT I should consider?

How will we know if my treatment is working?

Lighthouse Wellness Clinic

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