Key Information

The Reality: The menopause is a completely unique journey for every woman, so the support you need is unique, too.

The Approach: Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is never a one-size-fits-all treatment.

The Goal: To work with you to find the right balance of hormones to manage your specific symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Why is HRT So Personal?

Your body, your symptoms, your medical history, and your personal preferences are all entirely unique to you. Some women are troubled more by hot flushes, others by mood changes, and others by poor sleep. Because of this, our goal is not to give you a standard, generic treatment, but to tailor the therapy specifically to you.

How We Tailor Your HRT

We start the process by making two main decisions together:

Decision 1: Which Hormones Do You Need?

HRT works by replacing the oestrogen your body is making less of. The key factor here is whether you still have your womb.

• Oestrogen-Only HRT: Usually prescribed if you have had a hysterectomy to remove your womb.
• Combined HRT: Prescribed if you still have your womb. You will need to take progesterone alongside oestrogen to protect the womb lining.

Decision 2: How Do the Hormones Enter Your Body?

Think of it like choosing the best route for a journey.

• Through the Skin (Patches, Gels, Sprays): You change patches twice a week or apply gels or sprays daily. A major benefit of this route is that it carries less risk of blood clots.
• Oral Tablets: Taken every day. While tablets are associated with a small increased risk of blood clots, it is important to know this risk is very low for the vast majority of women.

Further Personalising Your Treatment

Beyond patches, gels, and tablets, there are other options to fit your daily routine and specific symptoms:

The Hormonal Coil (Mirena): Some women choose to use a hormonal coil for the progesterone part of their combined HRT. It can last for up to five years and be used alongside patches or gels. It also provides contraception and helps control periods, which can be quite tricky during menopause.

Local Oestrogen: If your symptoms are only related to vaginal dryness or discomfort, we can use local oestrogens (which come as a cream, pessary, or ring). This treats the specific area without affecting the rest of the body, and it can be used safely alongside your regular HRT.

Your Treatment Routine (Bleed vs. No-Bleed)

Even your daily treatment schedule is personalised to where you are in your menopause journey:

• Still having periods? We will aim for a routine that gives you a regular monthly bleed.
• Periods stopped over a year ago? We usually aim for a 'no-bleed' continuous routine.

What Happens Next?

As you can see, there are many ways to adjust the treatment to fit you. The key is that it is an ongoing conversation. Finding the perfect type, dose, and routine can sometimes take a little trial and error, but we will work closely with you to get it exactly right.

Discuss Your HRT

Last reviewed: 28 April 2026
Next review due: 28 April 2029