Starting HRT

Side effects in the first months

What's common, what usually settles, and when to call your doctor.

With estrogen

Commonly reported

Headaches or tender breasts
Nausea, leg cramps or a mild rash
Spotting or unexpected bleeding

With progestogen

Commonly reported

Changes to periods, or spotting
Feeling tired or dizzy, or acne
Low mood or mood swings

Good to know

Often mild, often temporary

Plenty of people get no side effects at all. When they do show up, they often ease within a few weeks. Some look a lot like menopause symptoms themselves.

The 3-month mark

Give it time

The NHS says side effects tend to improve, and suggests giving treatment around 3 months where possible
Your doctor may adjust the type, the dose or the form, e.g. tablets to a patch

Call your doctor if

Don't wait it out

Side effects feel severe
They're still there after 3 months
You're not sure what's causing a symptom

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As slides

Sources

NHS: www.nhs.uk/medicines/hormone-replacement-therapy-hrt/side-effects-of-h

General information, not medical advice.