What is HRT?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that involves supplementing or replacing hormones (such as oestrogen and progesterone) in the body to alleviate menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms.

Myth: There is no particular age that is “too young” or “too old” to start HRT!

When can I start HRT?

Usually, HRT can be started as soon as you start having perimenopausal symptoms, which is the time leading up to your last period. The average age that ladies in UK have their last period is 51, but this can vary vastly depending on your family history. The perimenopause may last a few months, years and in some up to 10 years! Therefore, many ladies start HRT in their 40s or 50s.

Some ladies have premature menopause when they start experiencing symptoms under the age of 40. They are encouraged to start HRT to replace the hormones they would normally still have until the age of 50.

Some ladies will need to start HRT even sooner if they have had surgery to remove their ovaries or other medical issues.

Also, there’s no specific age at which you are definitively “too old” to have HRT. It can also be considered after having gone through the menopause. The decision should be based on an individual’s health needs, symptoms, and a discussion with your doctor to weigh up the potential risks and benefits.

The menopause is a period of hormone deficiency and so starting oestrogen as soon as possible can help prevent some of the long-term complications of the menopause including osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

To help you decide if you are in the perimenopause, you can use symptoms trackers or simply keep a record of potential symptoms. This can then aid consultations you have with a doctor to discuss about the menopause and HRT.

Booking an appointment with a GP to discuss your symptoms and the pros and cons of HRT for you is often a good place to start.

Keep an eye out for my next email about symptoms you may have in the perimenopause – there is more to it than just hot flushes!