Archive · 6 Sep 2026
How to Choose Hormone Replacement Therapy Safely at Menopause
Menopause can cause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal discomfort.
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, may help some women feel better.
It is not needed by every woman.
Doctors may also consider it for some women at risk of bone loss.
HRT can have side effects, including breast tenderness, headaches, bloating and irregular bleeding.
Some types may increase the risk of blood clots or breast cancer, especially with longer use.
New studies suggest that timely HRT might help thinking and reduce Alzheimer’s risk, but doctors say more evidence is needed.
A woman should decide about HRT with her doctor based on her symptoms and health history.
Hormone replacement therapy can relieve hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal symptoms.
It is generally considered for troublesome symptoms and, in some cases, protection against bone loss.
Healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause may have a more favourable benefit-risk balance.
Combined estrogen and progesterone therapy may slightly increase breast cancer risk with longer use, while HRT can also carry clot risks.
Regular exercise, healthy weight, sleep and avoiding smoking support health but do not directly replace HRT.
- Who
- Women experiencing menopause, with treatment decisions made with a doctor; Dr Pakhee Aggarwal provides the medical guidance.
- What
- The article explains who may consider hormone replacement therapy, its benefits and risks, and lifestyle measures that support health during menopause.
- When
- During menopause, particularly for healthy women below age 60 or within 10 years of menopause; younger menopause may also be relevant.
- Where
- The guidance is provided by Dr Pakhee Aggarwal of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi.
- Why
- HRT may relieve troublesome symptoms and sometimes help protect against bone loss, but its benefits and risks vary by individual.
- Main uses
- Relief of hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal symptoms; in some cases, protection against bone loss.
- Potential candidates
- Healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause may have a more favourable benefit-risk balance if they have no reasons to avoid HRT.
- Possible short-term effects
- Breast tenderness, bloating, headaches and irregular bleeding, especially when treatment begins.
- Longer-term risks
- Potential blood clots and, depending on the preparation, a possible increase in breast cancer risk.
- Alzheimer’s evidence
- New studies suggest possible cognitive and Alzheimer’s-related benefits, but more evidence is needed.
- Lifestyle support
- Exercise, adequate sleep, healthy weight, balanced diet, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can support bone, heart and brain health.
- Important caution
- Food, supplements and herbal products should not automatically be considered safer or direct replacements for HRT.