What really happens when you come off HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy can be a saviour to those with symptoms of the menopause, so it’s no wonder many of us don’t want to stop taking it

- DR PHILIPPA KAYE

There are lots of myths and misinformation about HRT, from the risks (small) involved to who should start it, who should avoid it and more. And one common myth I’m often asked about in my surgery is that you can only be on HRT for between one and five years and then have to stop it. Many other patients think that if you start HRT you can never stop it and will need to be on it for life. Well, in fact, neither of these is true!

HRT does what it says on the tin. It replaces the hormones that become low during the perimenopause and menopause. Everyone on HRT will take oestrogen. If you have a womb you will also take progesterone, and some people will need to take the hormone testosterone.

The aim of HRT is to treat your menopausal symptoms and these can be wide-ranging, including physical symptoms, such as hot flushes and sweats, joint pains and palpitations. It can also help with psychological symptoms, such as irritability, depression, anxiety and difficulties with memory and concentration, as well as other issues, including loss of libido.

HEALTH NEWS

We’re a nation of secret snackers

The average Brit has at least two snacks per day, but have you ever had a nibble in a toilet cubicle? Incredibly, 16% of us have, according to a poll by Peperami. One in five of us will squirrel away a snack for a soak in the bath and one in 10 have used a Wendy house to hide our eating habits. Other popular places for a quick scoff include the shed, storage room at work and the lift.