Is HRT Right for You? What to Ask Your Doctor
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can feel like a big, confusing topic — especially when you’re navigating the ups and downs of peri-menopause or menopause. Between night sweats, low energy, brain fog, mood swings, and disrupted sleep, it’s no wonder more women are asking, “Is HRT right for me?”
Let’s break it down so you feel more confident and informed walking into that next doctor’s appointment.
First, What Is HRT?
HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy. It’s a treatment used to replace the hormones (usually oestrogen and sometimes progesterone and/or testosterone) that your body stops producing during menopause.
There are different types of HRT, including:
Oestrogen-only HRT (usually for women who’ve had a hysterectomy)
Combined HRT (oestrogen + progesterone for those with a uterus)
Body-identical or bioidentical HRT (chemically identical to the hormones naturally made by your body)
It can come in different forms too: pills, patches, gels, sprays, pessaries, and more.
Is It Safe?
For most women, yes. The benefits often outweigh the risks — especially if you start HRT under the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause.
HRT has been shown to:
Reduce hot flushes and night sweats
Improve sleep and mood
Support bone health and reduce risk of osteoporosis
Improve brain function and reduce risk of dementia in some cases
Improve skin, vaginal, and urinary health
There are some risks (as with any medication), so it’s important to talk these through with your doctor — especially if you have a history of breast cancer, blood clots, liver disease, or cardiovascular concerns.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Going in prepared makes a huge difference. Here are some key questions to take with you:
What type of HRT would suit me best based on my symptoms and health history?
What are the benefits and risks for me specifically?
How will I know it’s working? What should I expect in the first few weeks/months?
Are there alternatives to HRT if I can’t take it?
How long would I need to stay on it?
Can I still take HRT if I’ve gone through menopause already?
Can I take HRT alongside supplements or other medications?
It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Every woman’s journey through menopause is different. Some glide through with barely a symptom. Others feel like their body’s been hijacked. HRT isn’t a magic fix — but for many women, it can be life-changing.
If you're unsure, the best place to start is with a supportive, menopause-informed doctor who will listen to your concerns and walk you through the options.
Bottom line: You deserve to feel like yourself again. HRT is one tool in the toolbox — and it’s 100% OK to explore if it’s the right one for you.
