HRT is a type of medical treatment that involves taking hormones to supplement or replace the hormones that your body is no longer producing or producing at lower levels.

Whether or not you need to take HRT depends on several factors, including your symptoms, health history, and personal preferences. If you are experiencing bothersome symptoms of menopause, you may want to talk to your healthcare provider about the pros and cons of HRT and whether it is right for you. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the risks and benefits of HRT and work with you to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.

It is important to note that HRT is not appropriate for everyone, and it may increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as blood clots, stroke, and breast cancer. We help you weigh the risks and benefits of HRT. Our skilled and versatile doctors will determine whether it is the right choice for you.

There are several different types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) available, including:
Oestrogen-only therapy (ET): This type of HRT involves taking estrogen alone, typically for women who have had a hysterectomy and do not need progesterone to protect the uterus.
Combined Oestrogen-progestin therapy (EPT): This type of HRT involves taking both oestrogen and progesterone, typically for women who still have a uterus. Progesterone helps protect the uterus from the potentially harmful effects of estrogen.
Transdermal HRT: This type of HRT involves applying patches, gels, or sprays containing oestrogen and/or progesterone to the skin, where the hormones are absorbed into the bloodstream.
Low-dose vaginal oestrogen: This type of HRT involves using creams, tablets, or rings containing oestrogen, which are inserted directly into the vagina to treat symptoms such as vaginal dryness and discomfort.
Bioidentical hormone therapy: This type of HRT involves using hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the body, typically derived from plant sources. Bioidentical hormones may be compounded by a pharmacist to create a personalised hormone regimen.
Body identical hormone therapy: This type of HRT is similar to bioidentical hormone therapy, but uses hormones that are manufactured to have the same chemical structure as those naturally produced by the human body, rather than being compounded.

No one form of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is guaranteed to produce the least side effects for every person. The type of HRT that is best for you will depend on various factors, including your hormone levels, symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences.
That being said, some forms of HRT may be associated with fewer side effects than others. For example, transdermal HRT (such as patches or gels) may be associated with a lower risk of blood clots and stroke compared to oral HRT. Vaginal oestrogen therapy may also be associated with fewer side effects compared to systemic HRT, as the dose of oestrogen is lower and more localised to the vaginal tissues.

There are several alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for managing menopausal symptoms. Some non-hormonal options include:
Lifestyle changes: Making healthy lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep, can help reduce menopausal symptoms.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of talk therapy that can help women manage their emotions and change their behaviour patterns to reduce menopausal symptoms.
Herbal supplements: Some women find relief from menopausal symptoms by taking herbal supplements such as black cohosh, red clover, or dong quai. However, it is important to note that the safety and effectiveness of these supplements are not well-established, and they may interact with other medications or have other potential risks.
Non-hormonal medications: Certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and gabapentin, can help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes.
Vaginal oestrogen therapy: For women who experience vaginal dryness or discomfort during sex, low-dose vaginal oestrogen therapy may be a safe and effective option.
It is important to discuss your symptoms and medical history with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for you.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced by the adrenal glands and is a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen. While DHEA levels decline with age, the role of DHEA in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not well established, and the use of DHEA in HRT is still controversial. While some studies suggest that DHEA supplementation may have potential benefits for certain conditions, such as depression and sexual dysfunction, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of DHEA in HRT.

Whether or not you need to take DHEA as part of your HRT regimen depends on several factors, including your hormone levels, medical history, and symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help determine if DHEA is appropriate for you and can advise you on the appropriate dosage and administration method. However, it is important to note that DHEA supplementation is not typically recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as those with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or ovarian cancer.