BEFORE YOUR FIRST HRT REVIEW
First HRT review coming up? What to bring.
The NHS says to mention any irregular bleeding at your first review. Here is what else the NHS says about the first few months.
SORTING OUT WHAT'S WHAT
Side effects can look like symptoms
The NHS says HRT side effects can resemble menopause symptoms. So a new problem may not be coming from the HRT at all.
IF YOU'VE HAD SPOTTING
Mention any irregular bleeding
- The NHS says spotting is common in the first few months
- It usually settles within 6 months and is not usually serious
- The NHS says to raise it at your first review, after 3 months
THE FIRST MONTHS
How the first months usually go
- The NHS says symptoms should improve within days or weeks
- It also says side effects usually ease over time
- To help with side effects, the NHS says a GP might suggest changing your dose, type or how you take it
WHEN TO SPEAK TO A GP
When to speak to a GP
The NHS says to speak to a GP if side effects are severe or last longer than 3 months, if bleeding becomes heavier, if you get bleeding after not having periods for a while, or if irregular bleeding lasts more than 6 months after starting HRT.
Bring this to your appointment
Questions for your doctor
- Could this be my HRT, or my menopause symptoms?
- Are my side effects likely to ease, or should we look at a different type?
- Is the bleeding or spotting I've had normal for my type of HRT?
As slides
Sources
- NHS: www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/side-effects-of-h
- NHS: www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/benefits-and-risk
General information, not medical advice.