How effective is hormone replacement therapy for menopause?

Replacing oestrogen, with a progestogen when needed to protect the womb lining, can reduce hot flushes and night sweats. It may also improve vaginal dryness and discomfort when treatment reaches those tissues. Some people notice better sleep or mood because their physical symptoms settle, while others need a different dose, route, or non-hormonal approach. HRT is not a general treatment for every health concern, and its benefits should be weighed against your medical history.

Discuss the symptoms affecting daily life, your age at menopause, and any history of blood clots, stroke, breast or womb cancer, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding. The clinician can explain tablets, patches, gels, or local treatment and whether your womb requires progestogen. Arrange a review after starting or changing treatment so symptom relief and side effects can be considered together. Do not stop prescribed hormones abruptly without advice if symptoms return or bleeding changes.

Report vaginal bleeding that is heavy, persistent, or begins after a period without bleeding, especially after treatment has settled. Seek urgent help for sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing blood, one-sided leg swelling, facial weakness, or trouble speaking. New severe headache, vision changes, or unusual breast changes also need prompt medical assessment.

Ask which symptoms HRT is intended to treat, when improvement should be reviewed, why a particular route is recommended, and how unexpected bleeding will be assessed. Clarify when your next medication review is due.