Who can take continuous combined HRT
If you still have a womb and have not had a period for a year (post-menopause) you can usually take continuous combined HRT.
If you've had a hysterectomy to remove your womb, you can usually take oestrogen without progestogen.
Who may not be able to take continuous combined HRT
Continuous combined HRT is not suitable for everyone. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before taking it if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to oestrogen or progestogen, or any other medicine
- have ever had breast cancer, are having tests for breast cancer, or are considered high risk due to family history
- have a type of cancer that is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you're having tests for this
- have thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) which has not been treated
- have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
- have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in your legs (DVT – deep vein thrombosis) or your lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- have problems with your blood which increases the likelihood of developing a blood clot (thrombosis)
- have ever had liver disease and your liver function tests are not back to normal
- have or recently had a condition caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
- have a rare inherited condition called porphyria
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- have diabetes
- have an underactive thyroid
- have ever had migraines or severe headaches
- have lupus
- have epilepsy
- have asthma
- are very obese
- have dementia
If you get any of these conditions after you start taking continuous combined HRT, stop taking it and speak to your doctor.