Menopause
Considering HRT: Discuss Benefits and Risks in Your Own Context
Hormone replacement therapy can help menopause symptoms, but the choice of treatment should reflect your symptoms, age and health history. A headline about hormones cannot replace that discussion.
Hormone replacement therapy can help menopause symptoms, but the choice of treatment should reflect your symptoms, age and health history. A headline about hormones cannot replace that discussion.
Explain what you want treatment to improve
Describe hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disruption or other symptoms and their effect on daily life. Ask which of these the proposed treatment is likely to help.
Benefits and risks differ between preparations and routes. A clinician may discuss tablets, patches, gels or other options, taking account of factors such as clot history and previous breast cancer.
Bring the relevant history
Mention your periods, previous operations, medicines and personal and family medical history. If you have had a hysterectomy, bring the details rather than assuming every hysterectomy involves the same organs.
Ask why a particular preparation is being suggested and whether a progestogen is needed. Do not borrow another person’s prescription or change doses based on an online comparison.
Agree on review and safety advice
Confirm when to review symptom response, side effects and any bleeding changes. Ask which symptoms require earlier assessment.
The decision can be revisited as your circumstances change. If you prefer not to use HRT or it is unsuitable, ask about alternatives for the symptoms that trouble you most. A useful consultation should leave you understanding the expected benefit, the relevant risks and the follow-up plan, rather than feeling forced into a simple pro-hormone or anti-hormone position.
Further reading and care
For an individual assessment with Dr. Aishwarya Parulekar Pai, contact the clinic and confirm the appointment location before travelling.