Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
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Livial (Tibolone) 2.5mgFrom As low as £49.99
- Contains Tibolone as the active ingredient
- Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
- Relieves symptoms of the menopause
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Evorel Conti Patch
- Relieve Menopause symptoms and prevent Osteoporosis
- The patches release lost hormones caused by Menopause back into the body
- Can treat, night sweats, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction and hot flushes
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Estriol CreamFrom As low as £49.99
- Helps to treat the vaginal symptoms of menopause
- Cream must be applied daily for full benefits
- Comes with applicator for ease of use
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Evorel Sequi
- Patches release naturally occurring hormones back into the body
- Help to supress the signs and symptoms of Menopause
- Reduces the likelihood of developing Osteoporosis
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Elleste SoloFrom As low as £19.99
- Relieves a range of symptoms associated with the menopause
- Replenishes the body with Oestrogen lost due to the menopause
- Helps to prevent Oseoporosis
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process and is commonly referred to as 'the change'. Many women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. It is when your periods begin to lessen or stop completely, and you can no longer naturally become pregnant.
‘The change’ happens when a woman’s hormones reduce as your ovaries stop producing as much oestrogen. Other factors which can cause menopause to begin include chemotherapy, the removal of the ovaries during surgery or some treatments for breast cancer.
Some women can experience premature menopause, which is when your period stops before the age of 45.
Symptoms of Menopause
The most common signs of menopause are:
- Low mood, mood swings, anxiety or depression
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Reduced libido
- Memory loss
Menopausal symptoms are caused by a natural reduction in hormones. Your ovaries begin to produce less oestrogen and progesterone the older you become. Generally, by your mid-40s your periods will have become either longer or shorter, and by your 50s stop completely. This is due to your ovaries beginning to reduce the production of eggs.
What Causes Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of the aging process. Many women go through menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. It is when your periods begin to lessen or stop completely, and you can no longer naturally become pregnant.
‘The change’, happens when women’s hormones reduce as your ovaries stop producing as much oestrogen. Other factors which can cause menopause to begin include chemotherapy, the removal of the ovaries in surgery or some treatments for breast cancer.
Some women can experience premature menopause, which is when your period stops before the age of 45.
Diagnosis of Menopause
When should a doctor be contacted?
Many women prefer to go and see their doctor for advice when they notice the first signs of menopause. Your doctor will be able to confirm whether you are going though menopause by discussing your symptoms and taking a blood test. The blood sample will show them your hormone levels.
If you are concerned you may be going through premature menopause, your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis according to your family history and from the results of your blood tests. Being told you are going through premature menopause can be upsetting for women as it can affect their ability to naturally have children. There are a range of support groups women can turn to for advice and help such as The Daisy Network, which is for women who are experiencing premature ovarian failure.
What Are The Different Types of HRT Available
What are the different types of HRT available?
There are two forms of hormone replacement therapies available: combined HRT or oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. Combined HRT treatments such as Kliovance, Premique, Evorel, Elleste Duet and Femoston are more commonly prescribed, as you can only take oestrogen-only if you have had your womb removed. This is due to a link between oestrogen and womb cancer. Popular oestrogen-only options are Elleste Solo, Premarin and Zumenon.
Is HRT the right choice for me?
HRT patches can also provide effective relief from symptoms and are safe and easy to use. Evorel Conti HRT Patches, Evorel, Estradot, Elleste Solo MX and Evorel Sequi are commonly prescribed HRT patches.
Both forms of hormone replacement can come in the form of skin patches such as Estradot, tablets, gel or implants. You will be prescribed the lowest effective dose possible. HRT treatment is safe to use until your symptoms become easier to handle.
A doctor will be able to help you decided which form of HRT is most suitable for you. Usually, the treatment will take a few weeks to produce any results. That is why a doctor will recommend that you continue using the HRT for up to three months, to allow it time to work.
How can I get HRT?
Our UK based pharmacy stocks a variety of hormone replacement treatments. Simply fill in an online consultation with one of our qualified pharmacists, and they will prescribe the most appropriate hormone replacement therapy treatment for your needs.
At what age does menopause start?
What is premature menopause?
What are the symptoms of menopause?
The key symptoms are:
- Low mood, anxiety or depression
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flushes and night sweats
- Reduced libido
- Difficulty remembering
For how long do these symptoms last?
What are the risks of HRT?
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines, the risks of hormone replacement therapy are small. However, it is recommended to always understand the risk of a treatment before beginning it.
Combined oestrogen and progesterone HRT is associated with a risk of breast cancer. It is estimated that the risk of breast cancer is reduced back to normal after 5 years of finishing treatment. Combined hormone replacement is also associated with a very small risk of heart disease. Oestrogen-only HRT is thought to increase the risk of womb cancer.
The link between womb cancer and oestrogen HRT is why women with ovaries are not given oestrogen-only treatment. Instead, you will be most likely prescribed the combined HRT pill. Both forms of hormone replacement tablets can increase your rise of blood clots. HRT patches or gels, however, do not have this associated risk. The evidence of these small risks has made some doctors reluctant to prescribe HRT.
Nonetheless, the national health institute says that the benefits of HRT treatment outweighs the minimal risk. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about any of them possibilities outlined above.What are hot flushes?
What treatments are available for the symptoms of menopause?
What are the differences between the two types of HRT?
How long do I take HRT for?
How can I get HRT?
How does HRT affect your sex life?
What are the HRT side effects?
When a hormone replacement treatment is first taken, is can create side effects. Usually, side effects will improve over time as your body becomes accustomed to the medication. Both the combined HRT and oestrogen only HRT have their own potential side effects.
Side effects of oestrogen-only hormone replacement therapy include:
- Swelling of the body and breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Indigestion or nausea
- Vaginal spotting
Side effects of progesterone HRT include:
- Acne
- Low mood or depression
- Vaginal spotting
- Headaches
- Stomach or back pain
If you are worried about any side effects, or if they are beginning to interfere with your daily life, visit your doctor for advice. It may be that your dose is too high, or an alternative treatment needs to be used.
Will HRT make you gain weight?
Who should avoid using HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not suitable for all women.
Do not use HRT treatments if you are pregnant or have a history or high risk of any of the following:
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Breast cancer, uterine cancer or ovarian cancer
- Blood clots or strokes
If you have any health issues like irregular periods or high blood pressure, these must be resolved before you can begin hormone replacement therapy.
What is osteoporosis?
How do I cope with heavy periods during the menopause?
What treatments are available for heavy periods?
The most effective method of stopping heavy periods is to have a hysterectomy, where your uterus is removed. This procedure is a major operation that will require you to spend four days in hospital; the recovery period can be up to three months. However, there are safer and less severe alternative treatments available these days, so your doctor is far more likely to suggest one of the following:
- Cyklokapron or tranexamic acid, which controls clotting within the uterine vessels to make the bleeding less severe. This can be taken up to 12 times a day and there are no significant side effects.
- Mefenamic acid or Ponstan, which are anti-prostaglandins to reduce the pain and prevent heavy bleeding.
- Mirena coil, which is a small device that you insert into your uterus. Releasing progestogen, it thins the uterine wall to lessen the periods. Irregular bleeding is a side effect that you will likely get initially, but this should stop as your body adjusts to the coil.
- Cyclical progestogen hormones, which are pills containing progestogen, are taken for part of the menstrual cycle. Regulating menstruation, they prevent heavy periods from coming after a missed period. They may also help to prevent menopausal symptoms like hot flushes.
Surgical treatments are also an option. Your doctor may recommend that you have surgery to ablate the uterine wall, which is a one-day operation and is performed under anaesthetic. This operation will either help your periods to lighten or cease altogether.
What effect can HRT have on periods?
What causes vaginal dryness?
What treatments exist for vaginal dryness?
Do you get your period when taking HRT?
Is HRT for menopause the same as HRT for gender transition?
Doctor Notes
Medicine Direct have an experienced clinical team of doctors, pharmacists and dispensers, all of whom are based in the UK. All are fully trained and qualified to provide appropriate and considered care across all areas of treatment we have available at our online pharmacy.
This means that no matter which member of our team is assigned to your case, you can rest assured that you are in the hands of a highly skilled medical professional, who possesses the compassion and clinical expertise to properly advise you on the best course of treatment.
We are fully regulated
All of our doctors and pharmacists are fully registered with both the General Medical Council (GMC), MHRA and the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each member of our team has also worked in various clinic settings in the past, such as community pharmacies and NHS hospitals.

Sonia Khan
MPharm: 2076091
Pharmacist
This content has been written by James Nuttall and has been medically reviewed by our Pharmacist Sonia Khan. Sonia is our local on-site pharmacist responsible for dispensing a wide range of treatments to our patients on a daily basis.
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