Q15. What is HRT?

A15. HRT or hormone replacement therapy is a form of treatment for the symptoms of the menopause. It involves taking a form of synthetic hormone to restore levels of hormones to their pre-menopause level.

Doing so ease the symptoms of the menopause such as hot flushes and mood swings. It also protects against bone loss and osteoporosis.

There are several types of HRT which include oestrogen only HRT, a combined-continuous HRT which contains both oestrogen and progesterone only HRT.

The type of HRT you are prescribed will depend upon your current state of health, your medical history and your symptoms. Your GP will determine if you are suitable for HRT and if so, will prescribe a course of treatment.

HRT is effective at treating the symptoms of the menopause but like all forms of medication it does have side effects.

Find out more in our hormone replacement therapy section.

FAQ:

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Menopause FAQs

1. What is the menopause?
2. What age do you start the menopause?
3. What is a ‘premature menopause?’
4. What is the ‘perimenopause?’
5. What is the ‘premenopause?’
6. What are symptoms of the menopause?
7. Can you become pregnant whilst going through the menopause?
8. Why do you put on weight during the menopause?
9. What are hot flushes?
10. My mother started the menopause at the age of 46, will I do the same?

11. What are mood swings?
12. Why do women lose interest in sex during the menopause?
13. Can you still be sexually active after the menopause?
14. Why do women fear the menopause?
15. What is HRT?
16. Why is there so much controversy around HRT?
17. What treatment is available for the menopause?
18. How likely am I to develop osteoporosis?
19. How long does the menopause last?
20. What is the ‘postmenopause?’

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