Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Menopause happens when your hormone levels — especially oestrogen — begins to decline. This transition can start in your 40s (or earlier), and symptoms can last for years.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) replaces those hormones in safe doses. This should bring relief to symptoms, support long-term health, and help you feel better in your own skin.

HRT is also linked to benefits beyond symptom relief, including:

• Bone protection
• Heart health support
• Possible improvements in cognitive clarity and quality of life

The research on the benefits and risks on HRT is evolving fast. Our clinicians can talk you through it, and will always keep you up to date. As with any medical treatment, there are risks and benefits — and we’re here to walk through those with you, clearly and compassionately.

Oestrogen is made primarily in the ovaries. Smaller amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands and fat tissue, especially after menopause. As oestrogen levels naturally decline during perimenopause and menopause, many women begin to notice a wide range of symptoms. When symptoms start, HRT can help, so don’t wait to seek advice.

It’s a common fear — but oestrogen itself doesn’t directly cause weight gain. In fact, for some women, HRT can help stabilise weight by improving sleep, mood, and insulin sensitivity. Changes in weight around midlife are often due to ageing, shifting hormones, and lifestyle factors.

Yes. “Oestrogen” is the UK spelling, while “estrogen” is the US version. Both refer to the same group of hormones that play a key role in female health.

Yes, hormones can affect your mood — including anxiety. If oestrogen levels are too high, some women feel emotionally unsettled, tense, or irritable. That’s why personalised HRT — with the right balance of hormones — is key to feeling better, not worse.

If oestrogen levels are too high, or not well balanced with progesterone, you might notice:

• Breast tenderness
• Bloating
• Mood swings or anxiety
• Heavier or irregular bleeding (if you still have periods)

Our clinicians work with you — and your symptoms, history, and tests — to find the right hormonal balance.

It depends on whether you still have your uterus (or womb).

• If you have a uterus, you’ll need both oestrogen and progesterone to protect the womb lining.
• If you’ve had a hysterectomy, oestrogen alone is usually fine.

Your clinician will guide you through the safest option for your body.

For many women, yes it can. Oestrogen helps regulate your body temperature, stabilise mood, and support deeper, more restful sleep. If night sweats or early waking are disrupting your rest, the right HRT plan could make a real difference.

Vaginal oestrogen is a low-dose treatment that’s applied directly to the vagina — usually as a cream, tablet, ring, or gel. It’s used to treat local symptoms like dryness, discomfort, itching, or pain during sex. It stays local (not absorbed into the bloodstream), so it can be used safely by many women — even alongside or instead of systemic HRT.

Standard Dose

This is the usual starting point for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It follows national guidelines and works well for many women with mild to moderate menopause symptoms. It uses a smaller amount of hormone and is generally the most cost-effective option.

Examples:

Estradiol patch: 25–50 micrograms

Oral estradiol: 1–2 mg daily

Adjusted dose

If your symptoms aren’t fully relieved by the standard dose, your clinician may increase your dose. This is a safe and common approach, especially for women with more severe symptoms or those going through early menopause.

An adjusted dose might involve:

Using more of the same product (for example, two patches instead of one).

Switching to a stronger version of the same medicine.

Why This Can Affect Cost

Adjusted doses can sometimes be more expensive because:

Different strength products usually cost more.

You may need a larger quantity of the medication each month.

Example:

If you're using a 50 microgram patch twice a week, that’s 8 patches a month.

If you move to 100 micrograms, you might use two patches at a time-doubling your monthly supply.

Balancing Cost and Care

Your treatment will always be guided by what’s best for your body, not just cost. Our clinicians aim to use the most effective and affordable form of medication.

If cost is a concern-particularly with private prescriptions — do speak to your clinician. There are often equivalent options at different price points.