How HRT is taken

There are several different ways HRT can be taken including:

• as a cream or gel - which can be applied to the skin or directly into the vagina if you are experiencing vaginal dryness
• tablets - which can be taken by mouth or placed directly into your vagina to treat dryness
• a patch that you stick on your skin
• an implant - under local anaesthetic, small pellets of oestrogen are inserted under the skin of your tummy, buttock or thigh

If you are only experiencing vaginal dryness, a type of HRT that can be applied directly to your vagina will probably be recommended.
Tablets, patches or implants are only needed if you have other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes.
There are many different combinations of HRT, so deciding which type to use can be difficult. Your GP will be able to advise.
Read more about how HRT is taken.

Who can use HRT?

You can start  HRT as soon as you begin to experience menopausal symptoms. However, HRT may not be suitable if you are pregnant or have:

• a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or endometrial cancer
• a history of blood clots
• a history of heart disease or stroke
• untreated high blood pressure (your blood pressure will need to be controlled before you can start HRT)
• liver disease

Read more about who can use HRT.
If you are unable to have HRT, different medication may be prescribed to help control your menopausal symptoms.
Read more about alternatives to HRT.

Side effects of HRT

Hormones used in HRT can have a number of associated side effects including:

• fluid retention
• bloating
• breast tenderness or swelling
• headaches
• indigestion 
• depression 

Read more about possible side effects of HRT and how to alleviate them.

Benefits and risks

Over the years, many studies have been carried out looking at the benefits and risks of HRT.
The main benefit of HRT is that it is a very effective method of controlling symptoms of the menopause. It can make a significant difference to a woman’s quality of life and wellbeing.
HRT can also reduce a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis and cancer of the colon and rectum. However, long-term use of HRT to prevent osteoporosis is not usually recommended, and bone density will fall rapidly after HRT is stopped.
This is because HRT slightly increases the risk of developing breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and stroke, and other medicines are available for osteoporosis that do not carry the same level of associated risk.
Most experts agree if HRT is used on a short-term basis (no more than five years), benefits outweigh associated risks.
If HRT is taken for longer, particularly for more than 10 years, you should discuss your individual risks with your GP and review them on an annual basis.