HRT prescribing information for patients

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Prescribing HRT

In prescribing HRT at Bridge Street, we follow the guidelines suggested by the British Menopause Society which recommends that the dose of oestrogen is not increased out of license, and the different forms of oestrogen are not added together (eg gel and patch), due to the associated risk of endometrial cancer. This means we do not prescribe oestrogen doses above 100mcg patches, or 4 pumps of estrogel.

Checking blood oestrogen levels is not recommended by the British Menopause Society and response to treatment with HRT is based on symptom control.

A recent update has suggested that higher doses of oestrogen require a higher dose of progestogen to ensure adequate endometrial protection. Please do discuss with our clinical pharmacist or your usual GP if you are not sure that you have enough progestogen to cover your oestrogen dose safely. A Mirena coil (which can be fitted at the practice, although there is unfortunately a waiting list for this) gives adequate progestogen for all doses of oestrogen and can be used safely for five years as part of HRT.

We are only able to continue prescribing testosterone if started by an NHS specialist clinic and prescribed by them for three months. Testosterone can only be prescribed for postmenopausal women with low libido if HRT alone is not helping. HRT doses need to be maximised first.

Get a prescription prepayment certificate

If you’ve been prescribed hormone replacement therapy see the UK Government website for information on getting an HRT prepayment certificate for £19.30 for 12 months.

You will need an annual review of your HRT to continue taking this which includes a blood pressure reading.

This can be completed using our online HRT Check form and you will be advised when this is due.