Choosing the right HRT for you
There is no single ‘best’ HRT. The right choice depends on where you are in the menopause transition, whether you have a womb, your symptoms, and your preference for tablets, patches, gels or a coil.
Main types of oestrogen
- Transdermal (patch, gel or spray): absorbed through the skin, keeps levels steady, and has the lowest clot risk.
- Oral tablets: convenient for some women, but slightly higher clot risk than transdermal options.
If you have a womb (uterus)
You need oestrogen plus a progestogen to protect the womb lining. This can be given as combined tablets/patches, separate tablets, or via a Mirena® coil.
If you do not have a womb
You can use oestrogen-only HRT because there is no womb lining to protect.
HRT regimens
- Sequential (cyclical) HRT: oestrogen every day plus progestogen for part of the month. Usually gives a monthly bleed. Often used in perimenopause.
- Continuous combined HRT: oestrogen and progestogen every day. Designed to stop bleeding after the first few months. Usually used after menopause.
Starting and taking HRT safely
- Take or apply HRT at the same time each day.
- Do not stop suddenly without advice — talk to us if you are struggling with side effects.
- If you miss a dose, follow the product leaflet; a single missed dose is not harmful.
- Let us know about any new health problems or medicines.
