Customer service
EN
Customer service
EN
...Hormone therapyHormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
TreatmentsHormone therapyHormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

What can you expect from hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy can relieve many menopausal symptoms, from hot flushes to mood swings. These symptoms are caused by fluctuations and falls in the oestrogen and progesterone levels in your body. The greater the fluctuations, the more symptoms you may experience.

432A0030

Hormone replacement therapy helps to stabilise and balance these hormone levels. When you start HRT, your body needs to adjust. You will gradually notice an improvement in your symptoms and may experience (temporary) side effects, which often lessen the longer you use HRT.

Improving your symptoms: what to expect and when?

The speed at which your symptoms improve depends on the symptom and the dosage of your HRT:

  • Hot flushes and night sweats: With standard dosages, you will often notice a 75% to 80% reduction in the frequency and severity of these symptoms within four weeks. If you use a lower dosage, it may take 8 to 12 weeks to achieve the same effect.
  • Vaginal symptoms: Symptoms such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex usually improve within two to four weeks of starting local oestrogen therapy. During this period, the tissue recovers and blood circulation improves.
  • Psychological well-being: Symptoms such as anxiety, low mood and the inability to experience pleasure (anhedonia) can decrease in as little as three weeks after starting.
  • Quality of life: Your well-being is often noticeably improved after four weeks, and the effects on sleep and sexual function can continue to improve for up to 24 weeks after you start treatment.

Side effects during the first three months

As with any medical treatment, you may experience side effects. With HRT, these often appear during the first few months. They usually disappear on their own once your body has adjusted. Some of the general side effects that many women experience when using hormone replacement therapy include:

  • Irregular bleeding: Unplanned vaginal bleeding or spotting is very common, occurring in up to 40% of women in the first six months.
  • Physical symptoms: Common symptoms include tender or painful breasts, nausea, bloating, fluid retention (oedema) and headaches.
  • Mood: You may experience mood swings. This is often related to the active ingredient progestogen in HRT.
  • Method of administration: With patches, skin irritation can sometimes occur where the patch is applied. If you use vaginal tablets or a ring, you may notice mild general side effects such as breast pain for the first two to four weeks, as the hormones are absorbed more easily through the thin tissue in this area.

Always read the patient information leaflet for a complete overview of the side effects of your prescribed medicine. Most side effects are dose-dependent. If your menopausal symptoms persist after three months, an adjustment in the dosage or method of administration (such as switching from pills to patches) may help. To ensure you receive the best possible help and continue to use the medicine safely, we will carry out a review after three months. If necessary, we will adjust the dosage or method of administration.

10 Sources