HRT tablets
The original HRT. All the options, one pill.
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Summary
- Tablets are the original HRT treatment for easing menopause symptoms.
- There are a wide range of doses available that suit different needs.
- They’re usually taken daily, and help replace reduced hormone levels.
Here’s what's included in the price:
Consultation
Answer a few questions about your health so we can get to know you better.
Free 24h delivery
Your treatment delivered in secure packaging, the very next day.
Aftercare
We’ll check in with you regularly to see how your treatment is going.
HRT tablets
What are HRT tablets?
HRT tablets are the original form of HRT and, as such, have the biggest range of options if you’re looking to manage your symptoms of menopause and help promote your long-term health. You usually take them once a day, and you can get them in oestrogen-only, combined, sequential and continuous forms, so you’re sure to find a tablet that’s right for you.
Tablets can be a good option for you if you’re looking for something familiar, especially if you’re already taking other tablets as part of your daily routine. You might also prefer to use them if you’ve got sensitive skin, and are concerned about irritating it with gels or patches.
How do HRT tablets work?
Before we look at how HRT tablets treat the symptoms of the menopause, we first need to take a step back and look at what happens to your body during menopause more generally.
As you age, your periods naturally become more infrequent, until eventually you no longer have any more periods. When this happens, your body produces less of the hormone oestrogen. These reduced oestrogen levels in the body can cause many of the symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and mood swings.
HRT tablets work to alleviate these symptoms by replacing the ‘deficit’ of hormones caused by the menopause. This has also been shown to help maintain your bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
What doses do HRT tablets come in?
HRT tablets come in a wide range of doses, so whether your menopause symptoms are only mild or particularly strong, you’ll be able to find one that works for you.
Ultra-low doses of oral HRT start from 0.5mg of estradiol (a synthetic form of oestrogen), going up to doses of 4mg for stronger symptoms. Generally, you’ll be advised to start on a low dose treatment at first, which can be increased if you’re still struggling with symptoms.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on June 16, 2023. Next review due on June 16, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
HRT tablets
HRT tablets: What are the options?
When it comes to HRT tablets, you’ve got the most extensive range of options available to you. That’s because there are a few different ways to take HRT, depending on your individual health needs, and tablets cover all the bases. These are as follows:
Combined HRT. This is the most commonly used form of HRT. It contains synthetic versions of both oestrogen and progesterone, which work together to treat your symptoms and reduce your risk of complications. This is because taking oestrogen on its own can increase your risk of womb cancer, so you’ll need to take combined HRT unless you’ve had a hysterectomy.
Oestrogen-only HRT. This is exactly what it says on the tin. You should only use oestrogen-only HRT if you’ve had a hysterectomy, otherwise you’ll need to take a separate progestin.
Continuous HRT. This is where you’ll take consistent doses of hormones which don’t vary with your menstrual cycle. This form of HRT is best suited to women who are taking oestrogen-only therapy or for those who are postmenopausal.
Cyclical or sequential HRT. This is a form of HRT where you’ll take a varying dose of progesterone alongside oestrogen. It comes in monthly or three-monthly options, to induce a bleed according to this schedule. This form of HRT is only suitable for women who are still getting periods.
How do I know which HRT tablet is best for me?
The best HRT tablet for you is the one that best suits your needs. So it’ll be dependent on what stage of the menopause you’re at (whether you’re still getting periods, and how often), whether or not you’ve had a hysterectomy, and how strong your symptoms are.
Your clinician will be able to advise you on the best HRT for you once you’ve talked to them about your health.
What about other forms of HRT?
If you decide that tablets aren’t for you, there are still plenty of options open to you. Many women choose to use patches instead of tablets, for example. HRT patches are available in the same dosages and forms as tablets, except you only need to change them twice a week (instead of having to remember a daily tablet), and they’re less likely to cause indigestion or blood clots. They do tend to be a bit more expensive than tablets, though.
Another topical option is gels for HRT. These only come in oestrogen-only options, though. So you’ll need to take a progestin alongside this if you still have a womb. Other HRT options include an implant, which is a small pellet-like object that’s placed under your skin, and vaginal oestrogen, which treats vaginal symptoms of menopause like dryness, but doesn’t help with symptoms elsewhere in the body such as hot flushes or mood swings.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on June 16, 2023. Next review due on June 16, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
HRT tablets
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on June 16, 2023. Next review due on June 16, 2025.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Daniel Atkinson, GP Clinical Lead on June 16, 2023. Next review due on June 16, 2025.
Reference Popover #ref1
Treated trusted source
Gambacciani, M. and Levancini, M. (2014).
Featured Editorial Hormone replacement therapy and the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Menopausal Review, [online] 4, pp.213–220.
Reference Popover #ref2
Treated trusted source
NHS Choices (2019).
Types - Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). [online] NHS.
Reference Popover #ref3
Treated trusted source
Low dose vaginal oestrogen therapy. (n.d.).
https://www.uhcw.nhs.uk/.
Reference Popover #ref4
Treated trusted source
NHS (2017).
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - Risks. [online] nhs.uk.
Evorel Sequi
Estradiol/NorethisteroneSequential dose patch. Use to manage menopause symptoms if you still have periods.
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Estradiol/NorethisteroneCombined continuous HRT patch. Used it's been more than 12 months since your last period.
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estradiol hemihydrate, norethisterone acetateLike Elleste Duet, but continuous. Which makes it best suited to postmenopausal women.
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Estradiol/NorethisteroneCombined treatment for menopause relief. Sequential pills for women who no longer have periods.
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Premarin
Conjugated oestrogensOestrogen-only tablet that relieves menopausal symptoms. Often prescribed for women who have had a hysterectomy.
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Meet DanielMs Sanjeda Chowdhury
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Registered with GPhC (No. 2070724)
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