Menopause is a transitional time in a woman’s life described by the NHS as the time “when a woman stops having periods and is no longer able to get pregnant naturally”. However, there are a number of symptoms that can arise around this time. Some of these symptoms can be treated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Under a new proposal, women may soon be able to get vaginal oestrogen tablets – a form of HRT – over the counter in chemists.
The UK medicines regulator, the MHRA, is proposing to reclassify a product called Gina10, or estradiol, as a pharmacy medicine.
If this change goes ahead, the drug will be available to buy in chemists.
Some medical professionals have raised concerns women and pharmacists will need to be properly educated on the choice of treatments available to them.
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But what exactly is HRT and how does it help women going through menopause?
According to the NHS: “The main benefit of HRT is that it can help relieve most of the menopausal symptoms.”
The most common of these include:
Hot flushes
Night sweats
Mood swings
Vaginal dryness
Reduced sex drive
The NHS adds: “Many of these symptoms pass after a few years, but they can be unpleasant and taking HRT can offer relief for many women.
“It can also help prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), which is more common after the menopause.”
However, there are some risks associated with certain types of HRT. For example, some types of HRT can increase your chances of developing breast cancer.
But, in some cases, women may be advised against it.
These often include women who:
- Have a history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer or womb cancer
- Have a history of blood clots
- Have untreated high blood pressure – your blood pressure will need to be controlled before you can start HRT
- Have liver disease
- Are pregnant – the NHS states: “It’s still possible to get pregnant while taking HRT, so you should use contraception until two years after your last period if you’re under 50, or for one year after the age of 50.”
