There are several ways hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be taken.
HRT can be taken as:
- a cream or gel - applied to the skin or directly into the vagina if you are experiencing vaginal dryness
- tablets - taken by mouth or placed directly into your vagina to treat dryness
- a patch you stick on your skin
- an implant - small pellets of oestrogen are placed under the skin of your tummy, buttock or thigh
If you are only experiencing vaginal dryness, you will probably be advised to use a form of HRT that can be applied directly to your vagina.
Tablets, patches and implants are only usually required if you have other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes.
There are different combinations of HRT which may make it difficult for you to decide which one is best for you. Your GP will be able to advise you.
The hormones used in HRT will usually be prescribed at the lowest possible dose to control your symptoms. It may take a while to establish an effective dose for your symptoms. Tell your GP if you feel your current dose is not working.
When to stop taking HRT
Most women are able to stop taking HRT after their menopausal symptoms finish. This is usually between 2-5 years after they start.
Gradually decreasing your HRT dose is usually recommended, rather than stopping suddenly. You may have a relapse of menopausal symptoms after you stop HRT but these should pass within a few months.
If you have symptoms that persist for several months after you stop HRT, or if you have particularly severe symptoms, contact your GP because treatment may need to be restarted, usually at a lower dose.
After you have stopped HRT, you may need additional treatment for vaginal dryness and to prevent osteoporosis (brittle bones). Creams and lubricants are available for vaginal dryness, and medicines called bisphosphonates have proved effective in treating osteoporosis.
