Dr Rachel Moss - Riverside Women's Healthcare

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is when female hormones (oestrogen by itself or with progesterone) are given to a woman during or after menopause when the production of oestrogen by the ovaries declines. The hormones can be taken as tablets, implants, skin patches or gels. There are now some natural forms of HRT approved for use.

 

HRT became less popular after a large study in the USA in 2001 found that long-term use of HRT can increase the risk of some serious diseases in older women, such as breast cancer and blood clots. However, further analysis of this study since then has shown that, for some women, use of HRT around the time of menopause for up to 5 years can provide relief from symptoms caused by having less oestrogen in their bodies, such as hot flushes and loss of bone density, with far fewer risks than in the older age group. The usual oestrogen component of the modern HRT is plant-derived oestradiol. There is now a natural plant based progesterone available as a capsule that has been approved for use. 

 

The risks and benefits of HRT should be thoroughly discussed with a doctor before treatment begins.