Feeling Like a Stranger in Your Own Skin? 

Menopause is a big life change that all women go through. For some, it's not too hard. But for others, it can bring more serious symptoms, as they feel like their bodies are turning against them. Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, trouble sleeping - these are common problems during menopause. They can really disrupt, and in some tragic cases ruin a woman's daily life and make her feel seriously unwell.

You Don't Have to Suffer

Menopause is a natural change, but its symptoms don't have to just be endured like this. There are proven treatments today that can help women feel more like themselves again during this difficult time. For many years now, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been an important way to relieve menopausal symptoms and related health issues.

You may ask yourself, "But does HRT really work? Is it safe?" These are fair questions given how complex these treatments sound, but they’re actually simpler than you think! The good news as well is that scientific evidence shows HRT can be highly effective and well tolerated when taken correctly under a doctor's care.

Say Goodbye to Sweaty Nights

Countless studies show that HRT with estrogen is one of the best treatments for menopause symptoms. Even studies comparing it to a placebo (where a real treatment is compared with a fake treatment) have proven estrogen therapy helps reduce these issues.

Research also shows estrogen can help with feeling anxious or depressed, low sex drive, vaginal dryness, and even joint pain and muscle loss related to menopause.

Work Closely with Your Doctor

Studies clearly show HRT can help with menopause symptoms. But it's normal to worry about possible risks or side effects. Before starting any treatment, you need to carefully consider the benefits and downsides. This is why it's so important to work closely with your doctor.

Many people are concerned that HRT could increase the risk of issues like breast cancer. However, the scientific evidence gives a more detailed picture…

Take Control of Your Health

The British Menopause Society's latest recommendations show that estrogen-only HRT doesn't really increase breast cancer risk. While there may be some risk out there with some forms of hormone replacement, in rare cases, even these usually depend on how long it's taken and which hormones are used.

It's important to understand any risks. But for HRT, the evidence suggests the risks are very low, especially compared to risks from things like diet and alcohol. A major study with over 27,000 women even found estrogen-only HRT lowered breast cancer diagnosis and deaths.

For ovarian cancer too, the levels of risk associated with HRT equate to around 1 extra case per 5,000 women per year.

‍‍Doctors have to be fully open about these treatment risks and benefits. But at the end of the day, they only prescribe treatments that have been thoroughly tested and proven acceptably safe to use.

One of the Safest Ways to Take HRT

One of the most common ways to deliver HRT medication is through injections. However, research suggests that taking estradiol (a major female sex hormone) through the skin (transdermal) might be a safer option, particularly for your heart and blood vessels.

Start Early for Heart and Bone Benefits

More and more evidence shows that starting HRT before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause may help prevent the hardening of the arteries and lower the risk of heart disease. This seems to be especially beneficial for heart health. The British Menopause Society says starting HRT during this window is even linked to a lower risk of death from any cause compared to not taking it.

HRT is also often the top recommended treatment for preventing and treating weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis) in women under 60 going through menopause symptoms. Big studies like the Women's Health Initiative proved HRT can reduce the risk of spine and hip fractures too - a really important benefit.

Don't Let Early Menopause Stop You

For women who go through menopause very early due to conditions like premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), HRT is strongly recommended until around age 51 - the typical age for natural menopause. Hormone replacement is extremely important for controlling menopausal symptoms, maintaining sexual health, and preventing increased risks of heart disease, osteoporosis, and cognitive issues from low estrogen at a young age.

Quality of life is also a major factor, and studies consistently show HRT can improve overall well-being during the menopausal transition. By relieving symptoms and addressing health concerns, HRT empowers these women to go through this life stage feeling vibrant, confident and in control of their bodies.

Embrace Menopause with Confidence

Every woman's menopause experience is different. But today, HRT is a revolutionary tool to help you overcome these challenges. When guided by a doctor and tailored to your personal needs, HRT can free you from those debilitating menopausal symptoms and help you reclaim your vitality, intimacy, and self-esteem.

You don't have to suffer in silence or give up your well-being during menopause. With HRT, you can go through this transition confidently, embracing the changes in your body while regaining the active, vibrant life you deserve. HRT provides hope - a path to restore balanced health, emotional stability, and feeling truly comfortable in your own body.

If you're struggling with the physical, emotional, or mental impacts of menopause, know that HRT can be an empowering solution. Personalised to your needs under medical care, HRT can revitalise you and help you emerge from this journey with grace, resilience, and a renewed sense of self.