breast tenderness or swelling. swelling in other parts of the body. feeling sick. leg cramps.
There is a slightly increased risk of cardiovascular disease and a stroke for women over 60 who take HRT. This is more likely if they started HRT late into the menopause and use combined HRT. The risk can depend on the amount (dose) of HRT and how you take it.
Side effects related to the hormone Oestrogen – breast tenderness, leg cramps, skin irritation, bloating, indigestion, nausea, headaches. Side effects related to the hormone Progesterone - premenstrual syndrome-like symptoms, fluid retention, breast tenderness, backache, depression, mood swings, pelvic pain.
HRT does come with certain side effects, which tend to be most pronounced in the first few weeks and months of use. If you are unlucky, you may even find that HRT can make you feel worse before you feel better.
But HRT may not be suitable if you: have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer. have a history of blood clots. have untreated high blood pressure – your blood pressure will need to be controlled before you can start HRT.
In fact, they have found evidence for an increased risk of blood clots and stroke. They also found an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women using HRT. Most of the effects of HRT - positive and negative - are seen while women are taking HRT, and disappear once they stop.
One of the common treatment options for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), supplementing your hormone levels to rebalance your system. However, you may prefer to move through menopause without using hormone treatments. And, women with previous hormone-dependent cancer shouldn't use HRT.
So in summary, the safest types of HRT are the oestrogen applied through the skin as a patch, gel or spray with body identical micronised progesterone. Many women also benefit from testosterone, which may help if you're forgetful or having trouble concentrating at work.
Some women have side effects such as nausea, fluid retention, bloating, breast tenderness and swelling, and irregular bleeding. These often go away with time. MHT may not be suitable for you if you have or have had: breast cancer, endometrial cancer or other cancers that are dependent on hormones.
When to stop taking HRT. Most women are able to stop taking HRT after their menopausal symptoms finish, which is usually two to five years after they start (but in some cases this can be longer). Gradually decreasing your HRT dose is usually recommended, rather than stopping suddenly.
But it is associated with a lot of serious risks if used over the long term. Although the treatment lowers the risk of bone fractures, it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel problems) and breast cancer.
Consuming more foods that are high in phytoestrogens can also replenish estrogen in the body. These foods include sesame seeds, beans, tofu, and soy. Include low-fat dairy products in your healthy diet, as well as fats from plant sources, such as nuts and seeds.
Oestrogen-only and combined HRT patches are available. Skin patches may be a better option than tablets if you find it inconvenient to take a tablet every day. Using patches can also help avoid some side effects of HRT, such as indigestion, and unlike tablets, they do not increase your risk of blood clots.
HRT is also known to help women maintain softer, smoother skin, resulting in a younger look. In addition to—and, often, as a result of—these physical changes, HRT often changes how you see yourself.
There is no specific age cut-off for starting HRT.
And the continued low estrogen levels lead to more serious health concerns. The rate of bone loss speeds up, increasing your risk of low bone density, osteopenia and osteoporosis. You also have a higher chance of having a heart attack, stroke or other heart-related issues.
Oestrogen therapy is considered the gold standard treatment, effective in 90% of women with hot flushes. Low doses of oestrogen are sufficient to control even the severest of symptoms and are also effective in maintaining bone mass.
In addition to increasing longevity, hormone replacement therapy can help to address many of the changes we experience as we grow older. Estrogen therapy is associated with healthier and younger-looking skin in women.
Taking the right type of oestrogen can really help improve this low mood and other symptoms related to the menopause. Many women find that they feel calmer, have more energy, are more motivated and generally much happier when they take HRT.
It is common to have side effects in the first few months of taking HRT. These usually settle on their own within 6 to 8 weeks. Side effects include weight gain, irregular bleeding, feeling sick (nausea) and skin irritation.
Some women take HRT for a few years to help improve their worst symptoms of the menopause. Some women find that when they stop taking HRT after just a few years, they have no more symptoms. Other women have a return of their symptoms when they stop taking HRT.
If you and your healthcare professional have decided that you should stop HRT, we suggest trying a lower dose for three to six months first (unless you have been advised to stop immediately because of a new medical condition such as breast cancer).
Avoid visible meat fat, butter, fried foods, cakes, pastries, packaged snack foods and biscuits.