On This Page


What is menopause? As you approach menopause, your reproductive hormones (e.g. oestrogen) drop. Most women reach menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. In United States, the average age to reach menopause is 51 to 52.

What is menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)? MHT is medicine that contains oestrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone. It is used to manage the symptoms of menopause when they interfere with your daily life. MHT is available in different doses and forms.

For example, pills, patches, gels, vaginal creams and intrauterine devices (IUDs). will benefit from MHT. Premature menopause is when you have your last period before the age of 40. Early menopause is when your final period happens between the ages of 40 and 45.

Premature or early menopause results in reduced levels of oestrogen. This can increase the risk of long-term health conditions such as: MHT should be taken until the expected age of menopause to reduce these risks. MHT is effective for relieving symptoms such as: itchy skin.

It may also improve: Depending on the dose and duration, MHT can reduce the risk of some chronic conditions that may affect postmenopausal women, including: Everyone reacts differently to MHT.

Some people may not have any side effects

Others may experience symptoms such as: vaginal bleeding (see your doctor if bleeding continues after 6 months of taking MHT).

Most symptoms settle within the first 3 months of taking MHT

MHT is an effective and safe treatment to relieve menopausal symptoms in healthy women.

The data showed that MHT had low risks for women aged 50 to 60, or when used within 10 years of their final period.

Like all medications, there are some risks associated with MHT

These risks depend on: your medical history

MHT is not recommended if you have had hormone-dependent cancer (e.g. breast cancer and some uterine cancers). Your doctor may also advise you not to use MHT if it could increase your health risks.

For example, if you have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding or heart disease.

You can’t get pregnant after menopause.

If you are younger than 50, you should use contraception for at least 2 years after your final period. If you are aged 50 and older, you should use contraception for at least one year after your final period.

There are many other treatment options for women who can’t or don’t want to use MHT. These include:

  • non-hormonal prescription medications such as antidepressants
  • epilepsy medications
  • medications for high blood pressure (these have been shown to reduce hot flushes
  • sweating) lifestyle changes (e.g
  • over-the-counter products (although there isn’t enough evidence to prove they are effective)

See your doctor if: or low mood. Menopause is your final period MHT and premature or early menopause Women who go through premature or early menopause cardiovascular disease osteoporosis (a disease that makes your bones less dense and more fragile) dementia MHT for menopausal symptoms hot flushes vaginal dryness disturbed sleep with night sweats joint pain skin and hair health headaches aches and pains irritability sleeplessness sex drive balance dizziness and vertigo Added benefits of MHT osteoporosis and bone fractures heart disease endometrial cancer bowel (colon) cancer type 2 diabetes cataracts Side effects of MHT nausea fluid retention sore breasts MHT-related health risks when you start using MHT how long you use MHT for the type and dose of medicine MHT and contraception MHT is not a form of contraception.

While your fertility declines as you get older, it’s still possible to get pregnant Other treatments for menopausal symptoms cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) hypnotherapy exercise , healthy diet and weight loss ) complementary medicine and therapies When to see your doctor your menopausal symptoms interfere with your daily life your symptoms affect your sleep you have strong emotions, anxiety More information For more detailed information, related resources, articles and podcasts, visit Jean Hailes for Women’s Health Where to get help GP (doctor) Gynaecologist Jean Hailes for Women’s Health .

Key Points

  • used to manage the symptoms of menopause when they interfere with your daily life
  • MHT is effective for relieving symptoms such as: itchy skin
  • Most symptoms settle within the first 3 months of taking MHT
  • MHT is an effective and safe treatment to relieve menopausal symptoms in healthy women
  • data showed that MHT had low risks for women aged 50 to 60, or when used within 10 years of their final period