HRT Quick Guide

HRT Quick Guide

Should I take HRT? Are there risks? Are there benefits? Who should I listen to? We delve deeper into this during this HRT Quick Guide.

There has been recent media coverage, and sensationalistic headlines, it becomes very confusing does6n’t it? Making it difficult to know what to do.

We cover this and more within this guide. First, let’s get some facts straight about HRT in this quick guide.

What you need to know about HRT

• Benefits greatly outway the risks for some women.
• Every woman should discuss the benefits and risks relating to their own medical history with their doctor.
• There are many different types and combinations of HRT. Around 50 or more! So expect it to take a little time to find the right combination for you.
• Your prescription is only as good as your prescriber. Make sure you see a GP with an interest in women’s health. 
• HRT consists of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen alone HRT is only prescribed for women who no longer have their womb/uterus. Progesterone is taken to protect the womb lining (endometrial lining).
• If you start taking HRT, you should be assessed after 3-months. Then 6-months, and after that have an annual assessment.
• If you are prematurely menopausal (POI) (this means before the age of 45), HRT should definitely be considered and options discussed with your GP.
• HRT can treat a variety of symptoms including hot flushes/flashes, and night sweats. It can also help with lesser-known symptoms. For example, joint aches and reduced sex drive. It can have very positive results with psychological symptoms and with vaginal and urinary symptoms.
• Some women have particular problems with vaginal symptoms. They require additional localized treatment with their systemic treatment. This is in the form of pessaries, creams or a vaginal ring. Remember vaginal symptoms are classed as one of the long-term symptoms.
• HRT remains licensed for osteoporosis prevention. It’s the preferred choice for women starting treatment below the age of 60 years.
• Never buy hormones off the internet. Nor take hormones that haven’t been prescribed for you.

How can you take HRT?

There are different ways you can take HRT:

• Orally (in tablet form via mouth) this is the most common way.
• Transdermally (through the skin) either as gel, (estrogen-only) or as a patch. These patches can either be estrogen-only or can be a combined patch. Transdermally is the preferred route by many menopause specialists as it has fewer side effects.
• Subcutaneously – an implant is injected beneath the skin. It provides a slow release of estrogen that is taken over several months.
• Vaginally – pessary, cream, or a ring (inserted and changed after 3- months).
• The progesterone part of HRT can be taken combined with estrogen in tablet form. It can also be taken as a separate tablet with estrogen. For example, being delivered via a patch or there is the option of an ‘Intrauterine’ device as in the Mirena coil which slowly releases progesterone.

Note: the Mirena coil should be replaced after 5 years of use.

One question a lot of women ask is ‘when do I know I need HRT’? This is a very personal decision. It is one that should be made with an experienced healthcare professional. But if your symptoms are affecting the quality of your life, and you have addressed your lifestyle choices then it can definitely be an option for you to consider.

What are the risks of taking HRT?

It is very important when trying to understand the potential risks of taking HRT to put everything in perspective.

Various medical surveys and research report an increased risk of breast cancer. This being after taking continuous HRT therapy for more than 5+ years in less than one in 1000 women. But what the media headlines don’t tell you is that HRT is thought to accelerate cells already present. It acts as a promoter rather than an initiator of cancer.

As always, any medication risks should be discussed with a medical professional.

In contrast, you are much more likely to be at risk of developing breast cancer if you have cardiovascular problems, if you are overweight or obese and if you drink excessively.

If you are well-nourished, have a healthy, balanced diet, and are well exercised, your body will be better able to cope with not only any menopausal symptom that comes along but will help you and your body have a better quality of life long-term.

So there you have it, a whistle-stop tour of the benefits and risks of HRT. But what if you decide that HRT is just not for you? If you are unable to take HRT due to other medical reasons, or you’ve tried it and it just didn’t suit you!

Lifestyle choices as just mentioned are essential to look at. However, there are alternative remedies and therapies out there which can also be beneficial.

Make a note

Sensationalistic headlines create panic and confusion.

The British Menopause Society states: “We believe that arbitrary limits should not be placed on the dose or duration of usage of HRT. The decision to take HRT, the dose of HRT used, and the duration of its use, should be made on an individualized basis after discussing the benefits and risks with each patient.”

To learn more about HRT, look at our Menopause Experts Training.

‘As with any information created by or for Menopause Experts Group, the information in this post is accurate at the time of posting and is for information purposes only. It is not intended to replace or substitute the judgment of any medical professional. You should always seek advice from your health care professional regarding a medical condition.’