In brief
In brief
Hormone replacement therapy, usually shortened to HRT, replaces some of the hormones that decline around menopause. It is an effective treatment for symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, and different preparations can help other symptoms. The right formulation, route and dose depend on whether you have a uterus, your symptoms, age, medical and family history, medicines, preferences and individual risks. GlowUp cannot decide that safely for you.
What a useful discussion covers
- Which symptoms are most disruptive, how long they have been present and what you have already tried.
- Your periods, contraception, pregnancies, gynaecological history and whether you still have your uterus.
- Personal and family history including breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart disease, migraine, liver disease and unexplained bleeding.
- The differences between tablets, patches, gels, sprays and local vaginal treatments, including benefits and risks for you.
- What improvement to expect, possible side effects, when review should happen and what bleeding pattern needs prompt assessment.
NICE recommends individualised shared decision-making rather than a single rule for everyone. People with a uterus generally need progestogen alongside systemic oestrogen to protect the womb lining; those who have had a total hysterectomy may be offered oestrogen-only HRT. Transdermal and oral routes can have different risk profiles. Conditions such as a history of breast cancer, coronary disease, stroke or high clot risk call for specialist input rather than an automatic yes or no.
Sources
Where this guidance comes from
GlowUp checked this article against the sources below on 25 August 2026. This is source-checked editorial information, not a claim of independent medical review.
- Menopause: identification and management (NG23) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence · updated 15 April 2026 · accessed 25 August 2026
- Treatment for menopause and perimenopause NHS · accessed 25 August 2026
- Treatment for symptoms of the menopause Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists · updated 1 May 2026 · accessed 25 August 2026
- Shared decision making (NG197) National Institute for Health and Care Excellence · accessed 25 August 2026