Perimenopause Information

Supporting women going through all stages
of perimenopause and onwards.

HRT - Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause/Pre-menopause Symptoms

Many, many women find vast relief and support from taking HRT and can manage their symptoms easily and appear to sail through this transitional time of life and don’t need any extra help from natural supplements.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) works by replacing estrogen and progesterone, helping relieve symptoms of menopause and low testosterone. It’s available in pills, patches, creams, gels, or injections. Your doctor will discuss what is best for you taking into account your life style and your health. This is by far the best and easiest option. 

However, not all women can take HRT and it can have adverse effects such as increased risks of breast cancer, blood clots, and stroke. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting HRT to discuss its benefits and risks.

Different Types of Hormones:

Estrogen
Estrogen is like the superhero hormone that helps make the magic happen in our bodies, especially for those awesome folks with ovaries. It’s like the director of the show, making sure everything runs smoothly in the female reproductive system. From periods to pregnancy, and even those fabulous curves, estrogen is the star of the show. It also makes a cameo in guys, playing a supporting role in their reproductive and overall health. So, let’s give a shout-out to estrogen for keeping things cool and balanced! 
Starting with perimenopause these levels begin to fluctuate, and normally decline, but, in some ladies the opposite happens and they increase.

Progesterone
Progesterone is another superhero hormone, often considered estrogen’s partner in crime. It plays a key role in the female reproductive system, particularly during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Produced mainly in the ovaries, progesterone helps prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy by thickening the lining and supporting the embryo’s implantation. If pregnancy doesn’t happen, progesterone levels drop, triggering menstruation. In addition to its reproductive duties, progesterone also contributes to maintaining a hormonal balance and has various effects on the body. It’s like the calm and collected friend who helps keep everything in harmony. Again, during perimenopause these begin to decrease.

Testosterone
In females, testosterone is present in smaller amounts compared to males but is still crucial for various aspects of health. It’s produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone contributes to maintaining bone density, muscle mass, and overall strength in women. It also plays a role in supporting libido and influencing energy levels.  It’s like the versatile sidekick that helps keep the balance in the hormonal superhero team!

Different Types of HRT

HRT can be an absolute minefield. It is so confusing, there are loads of different types, brand names, ways to take them and doses. There is definitely no one size fits all and your needs will likely change over time.

If you are considering HRT talk to your healthcare professional about the best options for you. The information on this page is not meant to replace professional advice.

It is important to understand which hormones are used and why. Any treatment needs to be tailored for your needs, based on your medical and family history, and whilst one regime might suit someone it doesn’t not mean it will be right for you.  You may need to change the HRT you use over time.

The hormones; oestrogen; many symptoms of perimenopause are associated with the reduction of oestrogen levels. If only oestrogen was taken, it could stimulate the womb lining to thicken which is unhealthy. To prevent this, progesterone is taken alongside (unless the womb has been removed). There has been lots of talk about testosterone; it’s important to note that currently testosterone is not licensed for women but can be prescribed in very specific circumstances by a specialist.

Tablets are often prescribed in the first instance. But the decision on the type of HRT you have prescribed based on medical history, family history and preference. Some brand names you may have heard of are Elleste Solo and Duet and Utrogestan.

Patches, gels, and sprays (transdermal) treatments are a preferred option is you have a history of certain medical conditions.  The increased popularity of some types of HRT has led to supply issues for some products and should be noted.  Evorel Conti, Sequi, Oestrogel, Lenzetto spray and Sandrena Gel are just a few of the popular brand names.

The Mirena Coil is a small T-shaped plastic device that’s put into your womb by a specialist doctor or nurse.  The Mirena releases progesterone directly into your womb and lasts three to five years.

Although not widely available or very often used, oestrogen implants are inserted under the skin and gradually release oestrogen, they last for several months.  

Vaginal oestrogen is available as a cream, pessary, or ring placed inside the vagina and can be helpful to relieve the symptoms of vaginal dryness but would not be considered a suitable option for other symptoms for example hot flushes.  Vagifem pessaries, Estring, Imvagiss, Ovestin and Blissel are common brand names.

The discussion on the site is for information purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute, therefore. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this this site and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else.

Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this site.

Always consult with your healthcare professional before embarking on a new treatment or stopping a treatment.

Content obtained from this website is not exhaustive and does not cover all conditions or their treatment.