HRT what are my options?

Menopause is the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It typically happens between the ages of 45 and 55, when you have not had a menstrual period for 12 months.

Menopause can cause symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, vaginal dryness, brain fog, hot flushes, and irregular periods. These symptoms can start years before your periods stop, this is known as perimenopause, and then carry on afterwards. These symptoms can have a significant impact on your personal and work relationships but do not worry, there are treatments to help relieve the symptoms.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

HRT (also known as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, and estrogen replacement therapy) is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach menopause

What are the benefits of HRT?

HRT may:

• Prevents night sweats and hot flushes
• Better sleep
• Relieves vaginal dryness
• Sex is less painful
• Help prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis (thinning bones)
• Can reduce the chances of getting heart disease
• Your chances of getting dementia will be lowered

What are the different types of HRT offered?

The treatments, known as HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), come in different forms, from tablets, capsules, patches, rings, and gels, you can find the best treatment suited to you.

Estrogen patch 

The patch is worn on the skin of your stomach. Some patches are replaced every few days while others every few weeks, it depends on the dose. Examples of estrogen patches include; Everol, Femseven and Estradot.

Topical estrogen 

Creams, gels and sprays are another way of getting estrogen into your body. The recommended dose will vary between products; however, these are normally applied daily either onto the arm or leg. Like the patches, the topical estrogen is absorbed through the skin. Examples of topical estrogen include; Oestrogel, Sandrena Gel and Lenzetto spray.

Estrogen pill 

Pills are the most common treatment for HRT. It is important that you follow your doctor's instructions for dosing. Most estrogen pills are taken once a day without food. Some have more complicated dosing schedules. Examples of estrogen pills include; Zumenon, Progynova, and Ellest Solo.

Vaginal estrogen

Vaginal estrogen comes in a cream, vaginal tablets, or vaginal ring. Normally, these treatments are for women who suffer specifically from vaginal dryness, itchiness, and burning or pain during intercourse. Examples of vaginal estrogen include; Vagifem, Estring, and Estriol.

Estrogen/Progesterone/Progestin Hormone Therapy 

This is often called combination therapy since it combines doses of estrogen and progestin, the synthetic form of progesterone. This is given to women who still have their uterus. 
Taking estrogen with progesterone lowers your risk for cancer of the endometrium, and the lining of the uterus, compared with taking estrogen alone.

While normally used as a form of birth control, progesterone can help treat many menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.

Examples of estrogen/progesterone/progestin include; Utrogestan capsules, Bijuvi, Indivina, and Tridestra.

For further information, advice, or anything else do not hesitate to contact our health care professionals.

References:

1. Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause -WebMD - published 13 October 2021
2. Menopause - NHS - reviewed 17 May 2022 

Related articles:

• Menopause - the taboo word
• World Menopause Day and HRT update
• HRT Alternatives during the Oestrogel Shortage 
• HRT Guide