Menopause Hormone Treatment (MHT) Options in Australia

22 Feb

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help reduce menopausal symptoms by replacing oestrogen (oestradiol) and sometimes progesterone which naturally decline during the menopause transition. There are two main types of MHT: body-identical (natural) and non-body-identical (synthetic).

The popular choice is body-identical transdermal (patches or gel) or vaginal (pessary) delivery systems of oestrogen and/or combined with micronised progesterone capsules. Transdermal delivery of oestradiol avoids the risk of interacting with clotting factors in the liver so lessens the risk of blood clots previously associated with oestrogen therapy.

The table below shows the common options available in Australia, their method of use and general dosing guidance. Always discuss your individual needs with your healthcare professional before starting any treatment to make sure it is right for you.

Body-Identical (Natural) Options