What To Expect When You Start HRT | HRT Side Effects
Menopause symptoms can be uncomfortable to deal with on your own, and just last year 2.6 million patients in the UK were prescribed HRT. But if you’re unsure about whether this is the right path for you, in this blog we’re going to answer all your burning questions surrounding what to expect when you start HRT.
What Is HRT?
HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy, and is taken to ease menopause symptoms like hot flushes and anxiety. It comes in tablets, patches, gels and sprays or can be taken vaginally or through creams. You can get it with both oestrogen and progesterone or you can take an oestrogen only HRT. Your doctor or menopause consultant will discuss your symptoms and history with you to determine which version is most suitable.
How Long Does HRT Take To Work?
So, how long does HRT take to work? Some women do see a difference in their symptoms during the first few weeks of taking HRT. Although it normally takes around 3 months for your hormones to settle and to see a real difference because your body has to adjust to the new hormones and it takes time for them to reach a stable level in order to be effective. After you’ve hit the 3 month mark your doctor or menopause consultant will arrange a follow up appointment to see how you’re feeling and how well you’re adapting to the hormone replacement therapy.
How Long After Starting HRT Do You Feel A Difference
You’re probably wondering how long after starting HRT do you feel a difference? HRT is not a quick fix. The difference you see in your symptoms happens gradually, to the point where you may not notice until you look back and see how your symptoms have eased over time. This is why you’ll be asked for a follow up appointment after 3 months as it takes time for the hormone levels to build up. However some women do notice an improvement in their symptoms during the first few weeks especially with hot flushes and night sweats. During the first 3 months is also when you may experience some of the HRT side effects as your body is adjusting to the treatment.
HRT Side Effects
HRT side effects are common in most women especially when you’ve just started treatment. After you’ve given your body enough time to get used to the hormone replacement therapy is usually when these side effects start to fade. But if this doesn’t happen or you’re struggling with these side effects, your menopause specialist may look at switching you to a different type of HRT. Here what you can expect:
- ‘Premenstrual’ Side Effects
Some people feel “premenstrual” on combined HRT and experience symptoms like bloating, headaches or feeling irritable. These symptoms usually are from the progestogen component; some women are more sensitive to progesterone and it takes time for your body to get used to it.
- Low Mood
Low mood is due to Utrogestan (micronised progesterone) which you may notice more during the first three months. This will typically start to fade over time but it’s important that if you are struggling you speak to your doctor or gynaecologist.
- Bleeding
When taking a no-bleed (continuous combined) HRT, you may experience light, irregular bleeding which is common in the first three to six months while the womb lining thins. It should reduce over time. If you’re taking a sequential (“bleed”) HRT, a planned withdrawal bleed usually occurs near the end of the progestogen phase. It can be light or period-like. It’s important to note that if your bleeding becomes very heavy or unpredictable that you speak to your consultant and they may recommend changing your dose.
How Long Should You Take Hormone Replacement Therapy
Now that we’ve covered what to expect when you start HRT, you’re probably wanting to ask how long should you take hormone replacement therapy? You should know that there isn’t a fixed time limit on how long you should be taking this treatment for, your doctor or gynaecologist will discuss this with you and recommend the time they think it’s time to end the prescription. You can start taking HRT if you have menopause symptoms even if your periods haven’t stopped yet, it’s your choice. Usually though women tend to stay on this treatment for about 2-5 years but there are some exceptions. For instance, if you are experiencing early menopause, you may be advised to take HRT for longer in order to keep your oestrogen levels high and to prevent osteoporosis. Every woman is different, and talking to a professional will give you an idea of how long you should take hormone replacement therapy for.
See a Menopause Specialist For HRT Treatment
MenopauseCare Online is a virtual menopause clinic, offering you menopause services from the comfort of your home anywhere in the UK. If suitable we can prescribe you HRT through our online services (or you can book an appointment in person in Ossett, Scarborough or Bridlington). Nobody should have to suffer on their own, if you’re struggling with going through the change book an online consultation with us today and take your first steps to feeling like yourself again.