Menopause & HRT Pre-Appointment Health Update

✅ Benefits of HRT

HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbance and mood symptoms of menopause, and can improve vaginal dryness, joint aches and quality of life. It also helps protect against bone thinning (osteoporosis) — particularly important if your periods stopped before age 45.

🌿 Lifestyle & self-care

Alongside or instead of HRT, these changes are proven to help with menopause symptoms and long-term health:

• Stay active — regular weight-bearing and aerobic exercise supports bone density, heart health, mood and sleep.
• Eat well — a balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D supports bone health; keeping to a healthy weight can ease flushes and reduce some of the risks below.
• Cut down on smoking and alcohol — stopping smoking lowers your risk of blood clots, stroke and heart disease; less alcohol and caffeine can reduce hot flushes and improve sleep.
• Sleep and stress — a cool bedroom, a regular sleep routine, and relaxation techniques or menopause-focused CBT can help with sleep, mood and hot flushes.
• Pelvic floor exercises — can help with urinary symptoms and vaginal discomfort.

🎗️ Breast cancer

Combined HRT (oestrogen + progestogen, needed if you still have a womb) is linked to a small increase in breast cancer risk that grows the longer it's taken — NHS figures put this at roughly 5 extra cases per 1,000 women after 5 years, rising further with longer-term use, particularly beyond 5–10 years. Oestrogen-only HRT (used after a hysterectomy) carries little or no increase. Risk falls again after stopping HRT, and vaginal oestrogen used only for dryness does not raise breast cancer risk. Keep attending routine BreastCheck screening while on HRT.

🩸 Blood clots (DVT / pulmonary embolism)

HRT tablets can slightly raise the risk of blood clots, though the risk remains low overall. Patches, gels and sprays (absorbed through the skin) do not appear to increase clot risk — this is a key reason route matters, especially if you smoke, are overweight, or have a personal or family history of clots.

🧠 Stroke

HRT tablets are linked to a small increase in stroke risk, particularly after age 60. As with blood clots, patches, gels and sprays don't carry this same increased risk.

❤️ Heart disease

Starting HRT under age 60 or within 10 years of your menopause has little or no effect on coronary heart disease risk, and may even be protective for some women. Starting more than 10 years after menopause, or after 60, doesn't carry the same benefit and may carry more risk — timing matters.

🎯 Your own risk is individual

These are average figures, and estimates vary between studies — your doctor will talk through the range with you. Your personal risk depends on your age, time since menopause, personal and family history, and other health conditions — exactly what this form asks about. That's how we tailor the type, dose and route of HRT (if suitable) to you, and it's something we're happy to discuss further at your appointment.