Hormone Replacement Therapy

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
	Premarin, Estrofem, Progynova, Activelle, Femoston, Trisequens, Progyluton

Hormone Replacement Therapy - What is it for

As a woman approaches menopause, hormonal changes can cause unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Some issues such as osteoporosis and heart disease may also arise. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help restore the hormonal balance and reduce these symptoms and risks.

Hormone Replacement Therapy - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Hormone Replacement Therapy cause?

Some of HRTs include:

Mood changes. Take the medication at the same time everyday to avoid large hormonal fluctuations.
Breast tenderness, slight bloating/fluid retention. Drink more water and decrease your salt intake to allow your body to expel excess water.
Nausea and vomiting. Take the medication after food to minimise gastric side effects.
Headache. Paracetamol can be taken to relief headaches.

However, there are other rare but serious side effectsthat you may or may not experienced. If you experience any of the following, inform your doctor immediately.

Have unexpected, prolonged or heavy menstrual bleeding
Find a breast lump or have undiagnosed breast tenderness
Experience yellowing of the skin and/or eyes
Experience bothersome mood changes
Have severe pain or numbness in one side of the body or experience breathing difficulties

Before taking Hormone Replacement Therapy, what precautions must I follow?

This medication is NOT a contraceptive and should not be used as such.

Also, it is not to be used in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy - Dosage and How to Use

How should Hormone Replacement Therapy be used?

When should it be taken?

Take once a day at the same time. In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take the medication with food or immediately after food.

There are different regimens for HRT and your doctor has prescribed the one most suitable for you. Follow the instructions on the label and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

28-day HRTs

Monophasic HRTs

Premarin® – Conjugated estrogen 0.625mg

Estrofem® – Estradiol hemihydrate 1 or 2mg

Progynova® – Estradiol valerate 2mg

Activelle® – Estradiol hemihydrate 1mg/ Norethisterone 0.5mg

Biphasic HRT

Femoston 1/10® – 14 white tablets 1mg estradiol hemihydrate, 14 grey tablets estradiol hemihydrate 1mg/dydrogesterone 10mg

Triphasic HRT

Trisequens® –12 blue tablets with estradiol hemihydrate 2mg, 10 white tablets with estradiol hemihydrate 2mg/norethisterone acetate 1mg, 6 red tablets with estradiol 1mg

21-day HRT

Progyluton® – 11 white tablets estradiol valerate 2mg, 10 pale brown tablets estradiol valerate 2mg/norgestrel 0.5mg