Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

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A treatment that replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach menopause, helping to relieve associated symptoms.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

What is ?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment used primarily to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause in women. It works by replacing the hormones that naturally decline during menopause, particularly oestrogen and progesterone. In the UK, HRT is available in various forms including tablets, patches, gels, and implants. The therapy aims to reduce common menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive, while also helping to prevent osteoporosis in some women.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Best Practices

What is ?

  • Conduct a thorough assessment of each patient's symptoms, medical history, and risk factors before recommending HRT
  • Regularly review patients on HRT, ideally annually, to assess ongoing benefits and risks
  • Start with the lowest effective dose for symptom relief and adjust as needed
  • Consider alternative treatments for patients with contraindications to HRT
  • Provide clear information about benefits and risks to enable informed decision-making

Use Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in a Sentence

What is ?

  1. After consulting with her GP, Sarah decided to start Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help manage her severe menopausal symptoms.
  2. The practice nurse explained that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) comes in different forms, including patches, gels, and tablets.
  3. Many women report that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) significantly improves their quality of life during menopause.
Frequently Asked Questions about
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

What does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) mean?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replaces the hormones that naturally decline during menopause. It typically involves taking oestrogen along with progesterone (for women who have a womb) to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and to help prevent osteoporosis. HRT is available in various forms in the UK, including tablets, skin patches, gels, and implants.

What are the benefits and risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

HRT offers numerous benefits including effective relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats, improved sleep quality, reduced risk of osteoporosis, and better mood regulation. Some women also experience benefits for heart health when started early in menopause. However, risks may include a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke, though these risks vary based on individual factors, type of HRT, and duration of use. The NHS recommends personalised assessment of benefits versus risks for each individual.

How is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) prescribed in UK primary care?

In UK primary care, HRT is typically prescribed following a consultation with a GP or practice nurse. The healthcare professional will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors, before recommending an appropriate type of HRT. They'll explain the different forms available (tablets, patches, gels, implants) and help you choose the most suitable option. The initial prescription is usually for three months, after which you'll have a follow-up appointment to assess effectiveness and side effects. Annual reviews are recommended for women continuing HRT.

Are there different types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) available in the UK?

Yes, several types of HRT are available through the NHS. These include combined HRT (oestrogen and progesterone) for women with a womb, and oestrogen-only HRT for women who have had a hysterectomy. HRT comes in various forms: tablets taken daily, skin patches changed twice weekly, gels applied daily, vaginal oestrogen (creams, pessaries or rings) for local symptoms, and implants that last several months. There's also body-identical or 'bioidentical' HRT available on the NHS, which contains hormones that closely match those naturally produced by the body.

How long can I take Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for?

There is no maximum time limit for taking HRT in the UK. Current NHS guidance recommends that decisions about duration should be made individually, based on a woman's symptoms, ongoing benefits, and personal risk factors. Many women take HRT for a few years during their menopausal transition, while others continue for longer if symptoms persist. Regular reviews with your healthcare provider are essential to reassess the benefits and risks. If you decide to stop HRT, it's generally recommended to reduce the dose gradually rather than stopping suddenly.

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