Why should I take HRT?

Some women view the onset of menopause as a blessed relief from periods and a new start in life, while others mourn the loss of their fertility. Whatever your point of view, there are symptoms associated with 'the change' that vary from slightly inconvenient to very troublesome emotional and physical problems. Some of these symptoms occur during the time leading up to periods stopping (the perimenopause), and some gradually appear as time goes on.

Oestrogen replacement in the form of pills, patches, implants, vaginal creams and pessaries can alleviate these immediate symptoms and delay the onset of others. If you have not had a hysterectomy to remove your uterus, you also need to take another type of hormone called a progestogen. This is to prevent abnormal thickening of the lining of the uterus (endometrium) that can increase the risk of developing cancer of the endometrium. The risk in the general population is 1 in 1,000 per year; if you take oestrogen alone your risk increases by fivefold. Taking progesterone as well prevents the increased risk, but does decrease some of the benefitial effects of oetrogen and must be weighed against a possible increased risk of breast cancer, although the risks are relatively small. Out of 1000 women aged 50?64 years, around 14 who are NOT using HRT have breast cancer diagnosed over 5 years. In those using oestrogen-only HRT for 5 years, breast cancer is diagnosed in 15.5 per 1000 women. In those using combined HRT for 5 years, breast cancer is diagnosed in around 20 women per 1000. The view of the Committee for the Safety of Medicines (CSM) is that these results do not provide a reason to stop taking HRT but emphasise the importance of breast awareness and regular mammograms.

How will it help me feel better?
These are the most common symptoms of the menopause: Hot flushes and night sweats

• Fatigue and mood swings
  
• Vaginal dryness and reduced lubrication
  
• Loss of libido (sex drive)
  
• Thinning of the lining of the vagina causing discomfort during sex and bladder irritability