Women's health
HRT
Pharmacist-led menopause and perimenopause care. Patches, gels and tablets — reviewed and dispensed in Ireland.
Reviewed by an Irish-registered pharmacist
How it works
- 1Answer a few questions
- 2Doctor reviews
- 3Dispatched to your door
Treatment options
- EstrogelTransdermal gel
- Evorel patchesTwice-weekly patch
- UtrogestanMicronised progesterone
Clinical overview
About hrt
The menopause is a natural transition, but the fluctuating and declining levels of oestrogen and progesterone can cause significant physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog, joint pain, and vaginal dryness.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) works by supplementing the hormones that your body is no longer producing. For the vast majority of women under 60, the benefits of HRT in managing symptoms and protecting long-term bone and heart health outweigh the risks.
At Blackrock Meds, our pharmacist-led service focuses on finding the right formulation and dosage for your specific symptom profile, with regular reviews to ensure the treatment remains optimal.
Comparing your options
- Oestrogen (Gels or Patches)
Transdermal oestrogen (absorbed through the skin via Estrogel or Evorel patches) is the safest way to take oestrogen, as it bypasses the liver and does not increase the risk of blood clots.
- Progesterone (e.g., Utrogestan)
If you still have your womb, you must take progesterone alongside oestrogen to protect the womb lining. Utrogestan is a body-identical, micronised progesterone taken as an oral capsule.
Frequently asked questions
- When should I start HRT?
- You do not need to wait until your periods have stopped completely. Many women begin HRT during the perimenopause, when symptoms first become disruptive.
- Is HRT safe?
- Modern, body-identical HRT (particularly transdermal oestrogen combined with micronised progesterone) is considered very safe for most women. Our clinical assessment will carefully review your personal and family medical history to ensure HRT is appropriate for you.
- How long does it take to work?
- Some symptoms, like hot flushes and night sweats, often improve within a few weeks. Other symptoms, such as mood changes or joint pain, may take up to 3 months to fully respond to treatment. We will review your progress after 3 months to adjust your dose if necessary.
You might also need
Pharmacist recommendations