HRT Review

Key Points

– This secure form will allow you to provide the information your GP team needs to review your hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
– You will have the opportunity to submit a blood pressure reading (see below).
– Your answers may not be seen immediately meaning this service is not suitable for seeking urgent or emergency care.
– This form should only be used by someone over the age of 13 (we’re aware you’re likely over twice this age).
– When you are ready to complete your review, click the “Review my HRT” tab above.

General information

– Oestrogen and progesterone are sex hormones. The levels of these hormones decrease as women go through the menopause.
– Oestrogen HRT alone significantly increases the risk of endometrial cancer (the endometrium is the lining of the womb).
– Progesterone must therefore also be given, either as a tablet or in the coil, to help prevent cancer in women with a womb.
– If you still have periods when starting HRT, you would usually be prescribed a cyclical HRT (a preparation that changes during the month).
– Cyclical HRT is normally changed to a continuous preparation (one that is constant throughout each month) after you turn 54 even if you are having periods.

You should seek urgent help if you have:

– Trouble breathing or are coughing up blood.
– A severe unremitting headache or migraines with an aura.
– An unexplained painful swelling of your leg.
– Problems with your speech, sight or moving your arms and legs.
– Significant pains in your chest or tummy (abdomen).
– An episode of losing conciousness (fainting) or collapsing.

Stopping HRT

– There are no fixed rules about duration of HRT
– Generally, women started on HRT for premature menopause should continue until at least age 51 before reviewing
– Generally, most women benefit from HRT for 2-5 years, but sometimes for longer
– Generally, gradually reducing the dose makes a short-term impact on severity of symptoms
– Symptoms may recur after stopping HRT
– HRT risks tend to increase with age

Blood Pressure

– A blood pressure reading is essential to ensure you can use HRT safely.
– A blood pressure reading above 180/110 should be reported urgently by calling the practice (not entered / submitted).
– If you do not have one to hand now, you can still submit this form and supply us with a reading later.
– You can check your blood pressure on your own machine, at your local community pharmacy or at the practice.

Vaginal Atrophy

– Vaginal atrophy refers to vaginal dryness and skin thinning which can make sex uncomfortable and increase the risk of urine infections.
– Vaginal atrophy can be treated with treatments inserted into the vagina at home including oestrogen cream or pessaries.
– Vaginal treatments are safe for most women and can be used alongside other forms of HRT.

Screening programs

– It is strongly advised to attend for cervical screening when invited (Age 25-64 every 5 years | >65 only if previous smears abnormal).
– It is strongly advised to attend for breast screening when invited (Age 50-70 every 5 years).