HRT

HRT

For the majority of women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is safe. We know that HRT is the most effective way to manage menopausal symptoms. A significant number of women will experience menopausal symptoms that affect their quality of life. The aim of HRT is to treat the symptoms of menopause by replacing oestrogen that stops being produced by a woman's ovaries as she transitions through the menopause. Not all women will need or want to take HRT, other women may have illnesses that mean taking HRT carries more risk. These women may wish to discuss alternative treatments in the form of non-hormonal medicines, supplements and therapies.

HRT is only one part of the puzzle and modifiable lifestyle factors e.g. smoking, weight, diet, sleep, alcohol intake, exercise and emotional wellness are an extremely important considerations to ensure a woman enters the post reproductive phase of her life in the best shape possible.

Here at Abbey Menopause, we can discuss what type of treatment is best for you. A wide variety of management options are available which can be used for physical and psychological symptoms experienced by women around the time of the menopause.

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Types of HRT

  • Combined HRT - Women who have a womb require two hormones in the prescription for HRT – oestrogen and progesterone.
    The oestrogen is to try and alleviate the physical symptoms. The second hormone is progesterone. Progesterone prevents the womb’s lining from becoming too thick and protects it from future abnormalities.
  • Oestrogen only HRT - Women who have had a hysterectomy (had their womb removed) do not usually require progesterone.
  • Testosterone - Declining testosterone levels can effect your sex drive as we get older. Some women find adding small amount of testosterone to their HRT can help with this.
  • Vaginal Oestrogen - This treatment is a safe and effective way for vaginal dryness and soreness associated with menopause.

How do we give combined HRT?

There are two main ways to prescribe combined HRT (where two hormones are given).

  • Sequential combined HRT - Oestrogen is taken all the time because that hormone will improve symptoms. In addition, for two weeks each month, progesterone is taken to protect the womb from cancer. Once progesterone is stopped after two weeks, vaginal bleeding starts like period–withdrawal bleeding.
  • Continuous combined HRT - Women who have not had a period for over a year can be prescribed a continuous combined regimen of hormones. In this type of HRT, a woman would take two hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) together daily. In this type of HRT, there is no expected withdrawal bleeding.
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Contact

Tel: 01244 506 261
Mob: 0747 647 6456
Email: info@ abbeymenopause.co.uk
Address: Unit 6 Telford Court, Dunkirk Trading Estate Chester Gates, Chester CH1 6LT

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