HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy. With the use of Body Identical HRT we are adding back the hormones that your body has stopped making or making reduced amount of, to treat peri/menopausal symptoms.

HRT is the most effective way to control menopausal symptoms while also giving other health benefits.

We prescribe Body Identical HRT at Menopause Care NZ which is regulated, used in the public system and recommended by the Australasian, International and British Menopause Society.

We do not prescribe compound bio-identical hormonal therapy.

For the majority of women who decide to take HRT the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks.

We use newer body identical HRT over the older synthetic HRT, which was used in older studies.

Like any medication there are risks associated with it. At Menopause Care NZ we discuss and make a plan specific for you based on your medical conditions, medications you are taking, lifestyle and your family history. We will work with you and provide a plan best suited for you.

It is also important to have an annual HRT review once stable on your regime.

In New Zealand HRT comes in the form of tablets, patches and gels.

Gels and some tablets are not funded.

Mirena coils can also be used for HRT, as endometrial (womb lining) protection if you still have a uterus (womb), as well as provide contraception for 5 years if needed.

We do not prescribed compound hormonal therapy.

There is no longer a maximum duration that HRT can be used for. However it is important to have a yearly review of your HRT with either your GP or a menopause specialist.

‘HRT should be continued for as long as benefits of symptom control and improved quality of life outweigh any risks, and there is no arbitrary limit for duration of HRT use.’ as per the UK NICE guidelines.

‘There are no reasons to place mandatory limitations on the length of treatment, including arbitrary cessation of HRT in women who started replacement during the menopausal transition and remain symptom-free while on hormones.’ as per the International Menopause Society.

Females produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone levels start to decline with age and can reduce with loss of ovarian function.

Testosterone replacement can be helpful for women who are suffering low libido despite HRT treatment.

It's not currently licenced for use in women, although it can be prescribed after the menopause by a specialist doctor if they think it might help restore your sex drive.

You can safely use this at the same time as HRT.

Side effects are uncommon as long as testosterone levels are kept within female range.

A blood test is required prior to starting Testosterone to ensure your levels are low. A further blood test is required after 3 months to check your levels are within range.