Menopause and HRT
Hot flushes, night sweats, broken sleep, low mood and vaginal dryness are common as oestrogen levels fall. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and non-hormonal options can relieve symptoms, prescribed after an online assessment by UK clinicians.
Medically reviewed by Muhammad Abdul Jalil, GPhC registration 2236161 · Last reviewed
Superintendent Pharmacist
Overview
The menopause is when periods stop because the ovaries produce less oestrogen, usually between the ages of 45 and 55. The years leading up to it (the perimenopause) often bring irregular periods, hot flushes, night sweats, poor sleep, mood changes, brain fog and vaginal dryness.
Understanding Menopause and HRT
Symptoms are driven by falling and fluctuating oestrogen. HRT replaces that oestrogen as tablets, patches, gels or a spray; women who still have a womb also take a progestogen (combined HRT or separate progesterone) to protect the womb lining. Sequential regimens suit women who still have periods and give a monthly bleed; continuous combined regimens suit women whose periods stopped at least a year ago. Low-dose vaginal oestrogen treats dryness and discomfort locally, and the non-hormonal tablet Veoza targets hot flushes directly.
Treatment & Prevention
Our prescribers review your symptoms, medical and family history and any bleeding pattern before recommending a regimen. Treatment options include: oestrogen-only HRT (Oestrogel, Sandrena, Lenzetto, Progynova, Zumenon), taken with Utrogestan if you have a womb. Combined HRT tablets and patches (Elleste Duet, Novofem, Trisequens, Evorel Sequi, Kliofem, Kliovance, Evorel Conti). Low-dose vaginal oestrogen (Vagifem, Vagirux, Imvaggis) and Intrarosa for vaginal symptoms. Veoza for hot flushes without hormones. Staying active, limiting alcohol and caffeine and not smoking also ease symptoms and protect your bones.
Select Your Treatment
Choose a treatment below then start your consultation. Our pharmacist will review and approve.
TabletElleste Duet
Sequential combined HRT tablet (estradiol and norethisterone) for women who still have periods.
PatchEvorel Conti
Continuous combined HRT patch (estradiol and norethisterone) for postmenopausal women.
PatchEvorel Sequi
Sequential combined HRT patch for women who still have periods.
Pessary
Pessary
TabletKliofem
Continuous combined HRT tablet (estradiol 2mg and norethisterone 1mg) for postmenopausal women.
TabletKliovance
Low-dose continuous combined HRT tablet (estradiol 1mg and norethisterone 0.5mg).
Transdermal spray
TabletNovofem
Sequential combined HRT tablet (estradiol and norethisterone) with a monthly bleed.
Gel
TabletProgynova
Oestrogen-only HRT tablet (estradiol valerate), taken with a progestogen if you have a womb.
GelSandrena
Estradiol gel in single-dose sachets as oestrogen-only HRT.
TabletTrisequens
Sequential combined HRT tablet (estradiol and norethisterone) with a monthly bleed.
CapsuleUtrogestan
Micronised progesterone capsules taken with oestrogen HRT to protect the womb lining.
Vaginal tablet
Vaginal tablet
Tablet
TabletZumenon
Oestrogen-only HRT tablet (estradiol), taken with a progestogen if you have a womb.
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Our pharmacist will review your answers and may recommend an alternative based on your health profile. You're not committed until approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about menopause and hrt and available treatments.