Key Information

The Reality: Struggling with new symptoms like hot flushes, night sweats, and mood changes can be a confusing time, but you are not alone.

The Transition: Perimenopause and menopause are stages of life when your periods may alter (becoming heavier, lighter, or irregular) before eventually stopping as your body produces less oestrogen.

The Goal: You do not have to simply endure these symptoms. There are safe and highly effective treatments available to help you.

What is Happening to Your Body?

Think of the hormone oestrogen as a powerful regulator for your body. As your levels fluctuate and drop during perimenopause and menopause, your internal "thermostat" can become unpredictable.

This drop in oestrogen can affect many different areas of your life, causing:

• Sudden hot flushes and night sweats
• Mood changes
• Disruptions to your sleep
• Changes to your digestion, weight, and energy levels

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a safe and highly effective treatment that can make a huge difference. It works by topping up the oestrogen your body is no longer producing, which directly helps relieve the symptoms mentioned above.

• The Misconception: A common myth is that you must wait for your periods to completely stop before using HRT. This is not true. We can use HRT in the perimenopausal period leading up to it, too.
• How it Works: For most women, HRT means taking a combination of oestrogen and a second hormone called progesterone. (If you have had a hysterectomy, you may only need oestrogen).

Is HRT Right for Everyone?

The vast majority of women experiencing these symptoms can consider HRT. However, it might not be suitable for everyone.

For example, if you have a history of certain hormone-sensitive cancers or blood clots, we would need to have a very careful discussion about the risks and benefits. If this applies to you, it is really important that you still seek help. A personal consultation helps us understand your unique health picture, and we may be able to help you manage your symptoms in other ways.

Preparing for Your Consultation

If these symptoms are getting in the way of you living your life, the next step is to come and talk to us. To get the most out of your appointment, we recommend:

• Tracking Your Symptoms: Jot down your symptoms or make a note of any changes to your period beforehand so we can understand your pattern.
• Writing Down Questions: Think about what you want to ask. Great starting questions include: “What are the main benefits and risks for me?” or “Are there different types of HRT?”

What to Expect Next

If we decide together that HRT is right for you, we will typically start you on a low dose.

It can take a little while to feel the benefits (usually a few weeks to a few months).
We normally arrange a review with you after three months to see how you are getting on.
Finding the right treatment can involve a bit of trial and error, but we will make sure we review things and tailor the treatment to your specific needs.

To start the conversation, please contact us today.

Discuss Your Menopause Symptoms

Further Information

For more detailed information about your HRT options, please read the NHS guidance.

Learn more about HRT

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