What is Estrogen?

Estrogen is the main hormone in HRT

Most of the symptoms we experience in perimenopause and menopause are due to fluctuating and falling estrogen levels.

We have receptors for this hormone in almost every part of our body – including our womb, bladder, heart, bones, skin, muscles and brain.

Low estrogen levels are at the heart of most of the classic menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, low moods and body aches.

How is the Estrogen in HRT given?

We can replace estrogen either in the form of a tablet, patch or gel.

TABLETS

There are tablets that contain just estrogen and there are also tablets that contain both estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen only tablets

Progynova – contains estradiol - fully funded.
Ovestin - contains estriol - fully funded
Estrofem – contains estradiol - part funded
Premarin – contains conjugated equine estrogen - part funded

Combination tablets

(all contain estradiol and norethisterone)

Kliogest (higher dose estrogen and continuous progesterone) part funded
Kliovance (lower dose estrogen and continuous progesterone) part funded
Trisequens (cyclical progesterone) part funded

PATCHES

These contain estradiol.

Estradot/Mylan/Estraderm - Patches are changed twice weekly - fully funded
Climara – Patches are changed once weekly- not funded

GEL

Sandrena – contains estradiol - not funded.
Estrogel - contains estradiol - not funded

VAGINAL ESTROGEN

This is a localised treatment for the vagina, bladder and pelvic floor only. It helps improve vaginal dryness as well as urinary symptoms and pelvic floor problems. The estrogen does not get absorbed everywhere throughout the body, so it is not classed as HRT. It does not require any progesterone even in women who still have a womb. It can be used alone or alongside HRT.

Ovestin cream or pessaries – contains estriol - fully funded

What is Bio-Identical Estrogen?

This is estrogen that has the same molecular structure as the estrogen our body naturally produces.

The following HRT contains bio-identical estrogen:

Progynova, Estrofem and Ovestin tablets
Estradot and Climara patches
Sandrena and Estrogel gels
Ovestin cream/pessaries

How is the Estrogen in HRT derived?

The majority of HRT we now prescribe is derived from yams, the root vegetable.

What is the safest way to take Estrogen?

The safest way to take estrogen is through the skin (called transdermal), as either a patch or a gel. This mimics the way our body delivers estrogen naturally – our ovaries release it straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the gut and liver.

Can Estrogen be taken alone?

For women who have had a hysterectomy, it is possible to take estrogen alone. This is called ‘Estrogen-only HRT’ and has been linked to a REDUCED risk of breast cancer.

Women who still have a womb (and also some women who had a hysterectomy for endometriosis) must take a progesterone as well as the estrogen.

This is because taking oestrogen alone can stimulate the cells in the womb too much and over many years, this can lead them to become cancerous. The dose of progesterone taken must be enough to protect the womb.

The only progesterone treatments proven to offer this level of protection are the following:

Provera tablets
Primolut tablets
Utrogestan capsules
Mirena coil

Influence of estrogen

Expert Knowledge

We provide consultations based on the most up-to-date global research on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) treatments and menopause management.

Menopause Focussed

We are solely focussed on the needs of women in this phase of life and offer a more detailed and comprehensive service than a standard GP appointment

Longer Consults

We offer extended 45-minute consultations instead of the typical 15-minute appointments to ensure you do not feel rushed and can have all your concerns addressed fully.

Holistic Approach

While HRT is a key part of what we offer, we believe in treating the whole person. Our doctors also advise on lifestyle and natural approaches to help you thrive in this life-phase.