Does hormone replacement therapy treat menopause?

Menopause is a natural stage marked by the end of menstrual periods after ovarian hormone production changes. Hormone replacement therapy supplies oestrogen, with a progestogen added when needed to protect the womb lining. It may ease hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal symptoms, and may support sleep or daily comfort when those symptoms are hormone-related. It does not restore ovarian function or make menopause end. The form, dose and duration should reflect symptoms, age, medical history and whether the womb is present.

Write down the symptoms that trouble you, their timing and how they affect work, sleep or relationships. Discuss non-hormonal measures as well as hormone options, including tablets, patches, gels or local treatment. Share any history of unexplained vaginal bleeding, blood clots, stroke, liver disease, breast or womb cancer, and ask how these factors affect suitability. If treatment is chosen, follow-up helps review symptom relief, side effects and any new bleeding.

Seek medical assessment for bleeding after menopause, especially if it is new, heavy or repeated. Contact a clinician promptly for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, one-sided leg swelling, severe headache, weakness or a change in speech while taking hormones. These symptoms need urgent evaluation and should not be attributed to menopause without a check.

Which symptoms could hormone therapy address in my case? Do I need progestogen as well as oestrogen? Which delivery method suits my history, and when should we review the plan?