HRT
Hormone replacement therapy: medicine that replaces oestrogen (plus a progestogen if you still have a womb) to ease menopause symptoms.
What does HRT mean?
HRT: Hormone replacement therapy: medicine that replaces oestrogen (plus a progestogen if you still have a womb) to ease menopause symptoms.
How it is used in the Splash library
Can be used to treat heavy periods and as part of HRT later in life
From “Coils: copper IUD vs hormonal IUS”A hormonal coil (IUS) can make heavy perimenopause periods lighter and can also be used as the progestogen part of HRT.
From “Contraception in your 40s and 50s”If you start HRT while still having periods, some irregular bleeding or spotting is common at first and usually settles within 6 months.
From “How your cycle changes in perimenopause”**HRT:** NICE says to offer HRT to people with hot flushes and night sweats.
From “Hot flushes: what helps”HRT has had a rollercoaster reputation.
From “HRT: a balanced look”
HRT explained
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) replaces the hormones that fall during perimenopause and menopause, mainly oestrogen. People who still have a womb also take a progestogen, to protect the womb lining.
It comes as tablets, patches, gels and sprays, and progestogen can be given as tablets or an IUS. Vaginal oestrogen treats local symptoms such as dryness and urinary problems.
What's typical
NICE describes HRT as an effective treatment for hot flushes, night sweats and other menopause symptoms, and it also helps protect bone strength (NICE NG23).
For most people under 60, the benefits outweigh the risks. Patches and gels (transdermal) don't increase the risk of blood clots in the way tablets can. The small change in breast cancer risk depends on the type and how long it is taken.
Side effects such as breast tenderness or spotting are common in the first 3 months and often settle.
When to talk to a GP, nurse or pharmacist
- Menopause or perimenopause symptoms are affecting your daily life and you want to talk through options.
- You have unexpected bleeding after the first 3 to 6 months on HRT, or any bleeding after menopause.
- You have pain or swelling in one leg, chest pain or breathlessness: get urgent help.
In the UK you can call NHS 111 for advice at any time. In an emergency call 999 (UK) or 911 (US). This is general information, not medical advice.
Where it comes up
Sources
Sources checked October 2026.
See it in your own cycle.
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