Hormone replacement therapy

About

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve the symptoms of the menopause. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach the menopause. Most menopausal symptoms pass on their own after a few years, but can be very uncomfortable during this time.

Need to know

What happens icon plus

Your consultant will administer the most appropriate type of hormone replacement therapy for you. Most women take a combination of oestrogen and progestogen. Women who don't have a womb can take oestrogen on its own. Depending on what your consultant deems the most suitable method for you, you may be given tablets, skin patches, gel, vaginal cream or pessaries (a prosthetic device). This medication can be taken continuously without a break, or in cycles where you take oestrogen continuously and only take progestogen every few weeks.
How to prepare icon plus

Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for your treatment.
Afterwards icon plus

You may experience some side effects after you first start treatment. This may include breast tenderness, teaches, nausea, indigestion, abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding. This should pass, but it may take several weeks for the effects of the treatment to become apparent. You will need to have a follow-up appointment with your consultant to discuss whether the therapy is helping you sufficiently. If not, your medication may be adjusted.

Our facilities

From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

The Portland Hospital

205 - 209 Great Portland Street

London

W1W 5AH

Children's enquiries 020 7390 8020
Maternity enquiries 020 7390 6068
Gynaecology enquiries 020 7390 6200
London Bridge Hospital

27 Tooley Street

London

SE1 2PR

Appointments & Enquiries 020 7234 2009
Imaging Appointments 020 7234 2773
The Lister Hospital

Chelsea Bridge Road

London

SW1W 8RH

Appointments 020 7730 8298
General enquiries 020 7730 7733
The Wellington Hospital

Wellington Place

London NW8 9LE

Appointments 020 7483 5148
General enquiries 020 7586 5959
Post COVID Recovery service 020 7483 5348
The Princess Grace Hospital

42-52 Nottingham Place

London W1U 5NY

Appointments 020 7908 8001
General enquiries 020 7486 1234
The Harley Street Clinic

35 Weymouth Street

London W1G 8BJ

Appointments 020 7935 7700
General enquiries 020 7034 8181
Post COVID Recovery service 020 7034 6602
The Prostate Centre

32 Wimpole Street

London

W1G 8GT

Enquiries and appointments 020 7935 9720