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About hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to help menopause symptoms. It replaces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which fall to low levels as you approach the menopause.

Menopause symptoms HRT can help to treat include:

Menopause is when your periods stop due to lower hormone levels. It usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55 but it can happen earlier. It affects anyone who has periods.

Oestrogen and progesterone are an essential part of period cycles, ovulation and pregnancy. They also keep your bones healthy. As you get older, the loss of these hormones can have a big effect on your body.

To replace these hormones, you'll usually take a combination of oestrogen and progestogen. If you've had a hysterectomy to remove your womb you can take oestrogen on its own.

Find out more about menopause

Who can take HRT

You can usually take HRT if you're having menopause symptoms.

But HRT may not be suitable if you:

If any of these apply to you, alternatives to HRT may be recommended instead.

See a GP if:

  • you're over 45 years old and think you're having menopause symptoms and you're considering starting HRT
  • you're under 45 years old and think you're having menopause symptoms – this may be premature menopause or early menopause

Find out more about early menopause.

Questions to ask your doctor

Before you see a GP, it's a good idea to be prepared so you get exactly what you need from the appointment.

If your periods have changed in recent months, make a note of it so you can tell the GP. Also tell them about any medicines or herbal remedies you're taking.

Your questions could include:

A GP should be able to answer your questions and help you choose the type of HRT that's suitable for you.

After you start taking HRT

You'll usually start with a low dose, which may be increased later. Your symptoms should improve after a few days or weeks.

A GP will usually recommend a review appointment 3 months after you start taking HRT, or if you change your type of HRT. This is to see how well it's working. If everything is OK, you'll usually have 1 review a year.

If your symptoms do not improve or you get side effects, a GP may suggest either:

You'll usually need to take HRT for 2 to 5 years, but it can be longer in some cases.

If you do decide to take or use HRT, find out how to save money on your medicines with a prescription prepayment certificate.

Further information

Types of HRT

There are many types of HRT, including different hormones and different ways to take or use it, such as tablets, patches or gel. Finding the right one for you can take some time.

A GP can help you choose what type, method and treatment cycle is best for you.

Find out more about the different types of HRT

Benefits and risks

The main benefit of HRT is that it can help with most menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes, mood swings and vaginal dryness. It can also help prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis).

Find out more about the benefits and risks of HRT

Side effects of HRT

Like any medicine, HRT can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. If you do get side effects, they're usually mild and pass within 3 months of starting treatment.

Find out more about the side effects of HRT

When to take HRT

It may be difficult to know when to start HRT, how long to take it for and when to stop it. You may also want to know if you can take it while using contraception.

Find out more about when to take HRT

Alternatives to HRT

If you're unable to take HRT or decide not to, you may want to consider other ways of controlling your menopause symptoms. These may include lifestyle changes, other medicines or herbal remedies.

Find out more about alternatives to HRT