The Decision

The decision to take HRT or not is a very personal one. Here at Menopause Support we aim to give you the information you need so you can make the decision that's right for you. HRT is a complex subject but put simply it replaces the female hormones - oestrogen and progestogen (progesterone) that your ovaries stop producing at menopause. 
If you decide to take HRT the more information you have, the better your HRT experience will be by getting the right dose, duration and delivery method from your doctor. 
When making your decision consider the following: 
The benefits - reduced symptoms, increased bone density, controlled/reduced periods, may reduce bowel cancer and Alzheimers if taken long-term.

1. The side-effects of taking HRT maybe erractic periods, breast tenderness, nausea, leg pain, fluid retention, appetite stimulant, weight gain, mood swings, reduced libido and headaches. Finding the right type of HRT for you usually helps and often settles down after a few months. But for more severe side effects, such as breathlessness and severe pain, consult your doctor immediately.
2. An increased health risk of oestrogen only HRT is uterine cancer, and on combined HRT small increased risk in breast cancer & thrombosis. In older postmenopausal women increased risk in heart disease & strokes.
3. Yours, and your family history of breast, uterine & ovarian cancer, osteoporosis, thrombosis, migraines, heart attacks and strokes.
4. The age at which you're experiencing menopause, the serverity of your symptoms and so the effect on your quality of life.
5. How motivated are you to make changes in your life-style to help yourself through the menopause with self-help techniques and complementary therapies?
6. Do you want to be taking regular hormones for probably at least three years?
7. Some women find their symptoms return when coming off HRT and that it has only 'postponed' their menopause. The body can take time to adjust and so you need to allow time to reduce the dose slowly.
8. You can change your mind about HRT at anytime. Your decision should be reviewed with your doctor and changed if necessary after the first three months.

By going into the menopause nutritionally healthy, not stressed and with a positive attitude, you are more likely to have less severe symptoms and so you may not need HRT for as long or possibly not at all.