Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Menopause & Perimenopause in Mumbai
Overview
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a trusted medical approach that helps restore hormonal balance during menopause, perimenopause, and other stages of hormonal change. By supplementing estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone, HRT alleviates symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and bone loss, supporting overall well-being and vitality. At NuHer, HRT is prescribed by our specialists at our clinic in Nariman Point, Mumbai, or by video consultation.
Types of HRT
- Estrogen therapy: Available as gels, sprays, tablets, and creams to relieve menopausal symptoms and replenish declining estrogen levels.
- Progesterone therapy: Oral capsules or tablets that help regulate cycles, support uterine health, and are essential to protect the endometrial lining during estrogen therapy.
- Combination therapy: Blends estrogen and progesterone for complete hormone support while protecting the endometrium.
- Testosterone therapy: Low-dose treatment considered for some women with persistently low sexual desire, after other causes have been addressed.
Why It Matters
HRT offers women the choice to replenish declining hormone levels, restoring confidence and comfort during the midlife transition.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any therapy.
Why Start Now?
Timing matters. Guidance from the International Menopause Society (IMS) is that, for most healthy women, the benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are greatest and the risks lowest when it is started before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause. Starting in this window helps with:
- Symptom relief: The most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats.
- Bone Density: Preventing the rapid bone loss that leads to osteoporosis.
- Sleep and wellbeing: Fewer night-time awakenings, which can help concentration and mood.
- Heart: For most healthy women who start before 60, HRT does not increase the risk of heart disease.
We focus on timely, personalised care so you are not just managing symptoms, but protecting your long-term health.
Who is HRT for?
HRT is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats. It is usually considered for women who:
- Have menopause symptoms affecting sleep, work, mood or relationships
- Are in perimenopause or within about ten years of their last period, or under 60
- Had an early menopause (before 45) or premature ovarian insufficiency (before 40), where hormone replacement is generally recommended until at least the average age of menopause to protect bones and heart
- Have vaginal dryness or recurrent urine infections linked to menopause (often treated with low-dose vaginal estrogen)
HRT is a prescription treatment. At NuHer it is started only after a doctor has reviewed your symptoms, medical and family history, and the right screening tests. Not sure whether your symptoms are menopause? Read our perimenopause guide or the Menopause Symptoms A–Z.
What HRT can help with
- Hot flashes and night sweats: the most effective treatment available, typically reducing them significantly within weeks
- Sleep: fewer night-time awakenings, especially when night sweats are the cause
- Mood and irritability: many women find perimenopausal mood swings and anxiety ease
- Joint and muscle aches linked to falling estrogen
- Vaginal dryness and bladder symptoms
- Bone protection: HRT reduces bone loss and the risk of fractures from osteoporosis
Understanding the risks honestly
For most healthy women under 60, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. But it is not risk-free, and the right choice depends on you.
- Breast cancer: combined HRT (estrogen with a progestogen) is linked to a small increase in breast cancer risk, which rises the longer it is taken and falls after stopping. Estrogen-only HRT, used by women without a womb, has little or no increase. Being overweight or drinking alcohol regularly carries a similar or greater risk.
- Blood clots and stroke: estrogen taken as a tablet slightly increases the risk of clots. Estrogen through the skin (gel, spray or patch) at standard doses does not appear to raise clot risk, which is one reason NuHer usually prefers transdermal estrogen.
- Womb lining: if you have a womb, estrogen must be taken with a progestogen to protect the lining. Unexpected bleeding after the first few months should always be checked.
- Side effects: breast tenderness, bloating or spotting can occur in the first weeks and usually settle or improve with a dose adjustment.
HRT may not be suitable if you have had breast cancer, a blood clot, a stroke, active liver disease or unexplained vaginal bleeding. Your doctor will discuss alternatives.
Forms of HRT available in India
| Hormone | Forms | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Gel or spray on the skin; tablets | Transdermal forms are usually preferred for clot safety |
| Progestogen | Micronised progesterone capsules; dydrogesterone tablets | Needed if you have a womb, to protect the lining |
| Vaginal estrogen | Creams | Treats dryness and urinary symptoms locally |
| Testosterone (low dose) | Gel | For some women with persistently low sexual desire |
How HRT works at NuHer
- Consultation: a detailed review of your symptoms, periods, medical and family history, in person at Nariman Point or by video.
- Checks before starting: blood pressure, relevant blood tests, and up-to-date breast screening (mammogram) and pelvic ultrasound where needed.
- Your plan: the type, dose and form chosen for your symptoms and risk profile, plus lifestyle, nutrition and sleep support from our wider team.
- Review at three months: most women feel a difference within a few weeks to three months. We adjust the dose or form if needed.
- Yearly review: to check benefits, side effects and screening, and decide together whether to continue.
How long can you take HRT?
There is no fixed time limit. Many women take HRT for several years, and some for longer, as long as the benefits continue to outweigh the risks for them. The decision is reviewed with your doctor every year.
Considering bioidentical hormones? See BHRT at NuHer.
Frequently Asked
Questions
HRT is a medical treatment that supplements hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone to relieve symptoms of menopause and other hormonal changes.
NuHer specialists prescribe internationally recognized, India-approved formulations including Transdermal Estradiol (gels and sprays), Micronized Progesterone, Dydrogesterone, and low-dose Testosterone specifically for women. As these are Schedule H drugs, a formal consultation and a valid medical prescription are mandatory.
Usually, yes. Your NuHer doctor will take a full medical history and will typically ask for screening tests such as a mammogram and a pelvic ultrasound to rule out reasons HRT may not suit you before writing a prescription. If you are over 45 with typical symptoms, a hormone blood test is not usually needed to diagnose menopause.
Guidance from the International Menopause Society suggests the benefits are greatest and the risks lowest when HRT is started before the age of 60 or within 10 years of menopause. Your doctor will advise what is right for you.
For most healthy women who start before 60 or within ten years of menopause, the benefits outweigh the risks. It may not be suitable for some women with a history of breast cancer, blood clots or liver disease. Your NuHer doctor will weigh your personal risks and benefits before recommending it.
There is no good evidence that HRT itself causes weight gain. Weight changes in midlife are mainly due to hormone changes, muscle loss and poorer sleep.
Yes. HRT can be started while you still have periods if symptoms are troubling you. Your doctor will choose a regime that suits your cycle.
There are effective non-hormonal medicines, talking therapies such as CBT, and vaginal treatments. Our doctors will discuss what suits you.
No. Menopause is a natural life stage. HRT helps manage symptoms and improve quality of life but does not cure menopause.