HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, helps to relieve the symptoms that some women experience during the change of life - the menopause. For example, hot flushes, tiredness, headaches and irritable moods. If it is used for several years, HRT can also help protect against bone loss and against heart disease.

How does it work?

HRT replaces the hormones that your body stops producing during the change and so restores its natural balance. This means that you will continue to have a monthly bleed. Although this may be inconvenient, it does show that the HRT is working.

Will it work immediately?

It usually takes two or three weeks before any benefits are felt. It may also take your body several months to get used to HRT. For example, you may experience breast tenderness for a while, as your body gets used to having these hormones back again. This often disappears as you keep taking HRT. However, it is a good idea to see your doctor again after taking HRT for three months to let him or her know how you are feeling.

What if it doesn't work?

If you are still getting symptoms after 3 months of HRT, then you may need to have the therapy adjusted. Because each woman's body is different, the therapy may need to be altered to suit your particular requirements. It's a bit like choosing a dress, trying it on and then having it altered here and there to make it fit perfectly. So if your symptoms continue or you have a monthly bleed sooner than you expect, then consult your doctor. It may help your doctor if you make a note in your diary when you bleed and when you start a new HRT pack.

Your doctor may decide to change the type or amount of HRT you are using to control your particular symptoms more effectively. You may be given a chart to fill in each day to help your doctor get your HRT absolutely rightfor your personal needs.

Has HRT any long-term benefits?

As well as controlling your menopausal symptoms, HRT has a beneficial effect in the future. Women receiving HRT are less likely to suffer from bone loss (osteoporosis) in later years. This reduces your chance of suffering hip or wrist fractures as you get older. HRT also helps protect against heart attacks and stroke.