What is hormone replacement therapy done with?

Oestradiol replaces some oestrogen and may ease symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbance related to menopause. It can be delivered through tablets, patches, gels, or a spray, depending on the plan.

People who have a uterus usually need a progestogen alongside oestradiol to reduce stimulation of the womb lining. Micronised progesterone is one option. People who have had the uterus removed may not need progesterone, but the choice depends on the reason for treatment and personal medical history.

Your clinician will consider your symptoms, age, menstrual history, uterus status, migraine pattern, blood-clot history, liver health, and personal or family history before choosing a regimen. Use each medicine as prescribed and do not change the route or dose without advice.

Keep track of bleeding, breast changes, headaches, mood, and symptom relief. Attend planned reviews so the regimen can be adjusted to the lowest suitable treatment burden for your goals.

Report unexpected vaginal bleeding that continues, returns after settling, or occurs after menopause. Seek urgent help for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, one-sided leg swelling, weakness on one side, or a severe new headache. These symptoms can have causes unrelated to HRT but need prompt assessment.

Ask which hormone you need, why a particular delivery method was selected, how long to try it before review, what bleeding is expected, and how your other medicines or medical conditions affect the plan.