• (2)
• 
• 

Side-effects are problems that are not serious, but may occur in some women. They tend to go if you stop treatment. Side-effects with HRT are uncommon. Always read the leaflet that comes with the packet which gives a full list of possible side-effects. They include the following.

• In the first few weeks some women develop slight nausea (feeling sick), some breast discomfort, or leg cramps. These tend to go within a few months if you continue to use HRT.
• HRT skin patches may cause irritation of the skin.
• Some women have more headaches or migraines when they take HRT.
• Dry eyes (lack of tears) are also thought to be more common in HRT users.

A change to a different brand or type of HRT may help if side-effects occur. Various oestrogens and progestogens are used in the different brands. If you have a side-effect with one brand, it may not occur with a different one.

So, should I take HRT, and for how long?

The benefits have to be balanced against the risks. You have to decide what is right for you, with advice from your doctor or nurse, depending on your circumstances. As a general rule:

For short-term treatment of menopausal symptoms

If you are troubled with menopausal symptoms, the balance of risks and benefits is probably in favour of taking HRT. You may be happy to accept the small risk of taking HRT for 1-3 years to be free of these symptoms. You should take the lowest dose which keeps symptoms away. Many women find that after 1-3 years the worst of the flushing-type symptoms have gone and they no longer need HRT to prevent them. If the genital symptoms such as vaginal dryness persist after stopping HRT, an option is to use an oestrogen cream or pessary in the vaginal area (see below).

For healthy women without symptoms and a menopause at around 50 or over

HRT is usually not advised as there is little to be gained, and even the small risks of HRT are then unacceptable.

If you just have genital symptoms such as a dry vagina

An option which may be advised by your doctor is to use a vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary. This gives the benefits of easing the symptoms, but with less risk than using HRT tablets, patches, etc, as less oestrogen gets into the bloodstream.

• Back
• Next: What about taking HRT to help prevent osteoporosis?

• Comment (2)
• Send to a friend
• Print: Article |  Page