Menopause occurs when a woman's ovaries stop producing and releasing an egg every month. This means that the woman will no longer have monthly menstruation, nor will she be able to conceive. On average, menopause occurs in women in their 50s. However, some women go through menopause in their 40s and a small percentage of women, in their 30s.

Hormone replacement therapy (also known as HRT) is a treatment taken by women when they begin to show signs of menopause. HRT treatments are designed to replenish the female hormones, which the menopausal women have stopped producing. HRT helps relieve the menopausal symptoms and allow the body to return to normal. 

The menopause medication contains the female hormones – oestrogen and progestogen. Oestrogen is responsible for many functions in a woman's body. When the level of this hormone drops, the woman starts experiencing menopause symptoms. A drop in the oestrogen level can also lead to osteoporosis. Therefore, it is important to keep these hormone levels up. HRT medication replenishes these hormones and wards off the uncomfortable symptoms.  

The hormone progestogen is responsible for maintaining womb health and keeping certain cancers at bay. A drop in this hormone doesn't cause the menopause symptoms, but it's important to keep these hormones at a healthy level for better uterus health. However, if the woman has already had a hysterectomy (uterus removal), she can take an oestrogen-only HRT medication. 

HRT may not be suitable for women with:  

HRT Hormones: HRT replaces the hormones that a menopausal woman is no longer producing. HRT uses two hormones: 

Most women are prescribed combined HRT because taking oestrogen-only HRT can increase the risk of developing endometrial (womb) cancer. When HRT is combined with progestogen, it minimises the risk.

However, oestrogen-only HRT is usually prescribed for women whose womb has already been removed during a hysterectomy.

HRT can be taken in different forms. Talk to your GP to decide on the best HRT form of treatment for you.

Tablets

Tablets are usually taken once a day and are one of the most common forms of HRT. Both oestrogen-only and combined HRT medications are available as tablets.

Skin Patches 

Skin patches are also a convenient form of taking HRT. You just have to stick them to your skin and replace them every few days. Both oestrogen-only and combined HRT patches are available. 

Oestrogen Gel

Like skin patches, oestrogen gel is a convenient way of taking HRT. But, if you still have your uterus, you'll have to take progestogen separately to reduce the risk of womb cancer. 

Implants

These small pellet-like implants are inserted under your skin (usually in the tummy area) after your skin is numbed with local anaesthesia. 

The implant releases oestrogen gradually and lasts for several months before needing a replacement. But if you still have your uterus, you'll need to take progestogen too. 

Vaginal oestrogen 

Vagina oestrogen helps in relieving vaginal dryness, but not other symptoms like hot flushes. It doesn't carry the usual HRT risks of breast cancer. Hence, it can be taken without progestogen, even if you still have your uterus.

The HRT medications available at MedsNow are:  

Elleste, Premique, Lival, Femoston, EvorelSequi, Evorel Conti, Evorel, Estradot, Elleste Solo MX, Elleste Duet, Zumenon 

Oestrogen-Only HRT: This treatment routine is only recommended for women who have had their womb removed (hysterectomy). Taking oestrogen alone carries a risk of developing endometrial cancer. But in women with no womb, this is not a concern.

Cyclical (or Sequential) HRT: This HRT treatment routine is usually recommended for women who are taking combined HRT for the menopausal symptoms but still have their periods. 

Cyclical HRT is of two types:

Possible health risks associated with the administration of HRT include: 

Does HRT cause weight gain? 

Most women believe that taking HRT will make them gain weight, but there is no evidence that supports that claim. Weight gain is common during menopause, whether or not you are on HRT. However, eating healthy and exercising regularly can help you lose unwanted weight. 

Where to put the HRT patch? 

Apply the patch to a clean, dry, oil-free and hair-free area of the upper buttock or lower stomach. Keep the patch firmly pressed for 10 seconds.  

How long do HRT side effects last? 

When HRT treatment begins, you may experience side effects such as nausea, leg cramps and breast tenderness. These side effects may disappear within 6 to 8 weeks.  

Can I buy HRT over the counter UK? 

No. HRT is a prescription-only medication.  

What age can you start hormone therapy? 

Hormone replacement therapy should be started before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause. 

What are the alternatives to HRT? 

The alternatives to HRT can be broadly classified as: 

How will I feel when I am on HRT? 

When you start taking HRT, you may feel some side effects such as nausea, breast tenderness, and leg cramps. 

Is HRT gel better than patches? 

Oestrogen gel is a popular form of HRT. It has to be rubbed onto the skin once a day. Like skin patches, HRT gel is a convenient form of HRT, and it does not increase the risk of blood clots.  

At what age should a woman stop taking hormone replacement therapy? 

If you are over 59years or have been on HRT for 5 years, talk to your doctor about quitting HRT.