Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment to relieve symptoms of the menopause. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause.

Hormones that are used in HRT are oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This does not mean everyone needs all three.
For most women who use HRT, the benefits will outweigh the risks. Women with early menopause (40-45), and Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (under 40), should ideally have HRT up till the usual age of menopause as it is helpful to protect heart, bones, and cognitive functions. There are of course women who cannot take HRT due to cancer, severe liver disease or other reasons.

Benefits of HRT

The main benefit of HRT is that it can help relieve most menopausal symptoms, such as:

• hot flushes
• night sweats
• mood swings
• vaginal dryness
• reduced sex drive

HRT can also help prevent thinning of the bones, which can lead to fracture (osteoporosis). Osteoporosis is more common after the menopause.