Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

HRT FOR MENOPAUSE


A medical treatment used to restore female hormone levels to their normal amounts to reduce the symptoms of menopause

 Woman entering menopause 1483145658.jpeg

What is hormone replacement therapy?

HRT is a treatment used to relieve the symptoms of the menopause. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause.

Most menopausal symptoms pass on their own after a few years, but can be very uncomfortable during this time. 

Need to know

Your consultant will administer the most appropriate type of hormone replacement therapy for you. Most women take a combination of oestrogen and progestogen. Women who don't have a womb can take oestrogen on its own.

Depending on what your doctor deems the most suitable method for you, you may be given tablets, skin patches, gel, vaginal cream or pessaries (a prosthetic device). This medication can be taken continuously without a break, or in cycles where you take oestrogen continuously and only take progestogen every few weeks.

Your doctor will let you know how best to prepare for your treatment.

You may experience some side effects after you first start treatment. This may include:

  • breast tenderness
  • teaches
  • nausea
  • indigestion
  • abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding.

This should pass, but it may take several weeks for the effects of the treatment to become apparent. You will need to have a follow-up appointment with your doctor to discuss whether the therapy is helping you sufficiently. If not, your medication may be adjusted.

Our doctors specialising in HRT

We're proud to work with leading doctors, including gynaecologists and GPs, who are experienced in managing symptoms of the menopause, and whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion

Our Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) locations

The Lister Hospital

The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Portland Hospital

The Portland Hospital

205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
The Wellington Hospital

The Wellington Hospital

8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital

London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harley Street Clinic

The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Princess Grace Hospital

The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Shard Outpatients

The Shard Outpatients

The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
The Prostate Centre

The Prostate Centre

18 Devonshire Street W1G 7AQ London

Patient stories

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.