HRT AT THE PHARMACIST: FIND OUT MORE

News that hormone replacement therapy will be made available in pharmacies has been met with a cautious welcome.

Dee Murray, chief executive and founder of support group Menopause Experts, supports the move but says women need to educate themselves about treatments and HRT health.

“The availability of HRT in pharmacies is certainly good news,” says Dee. “But every woman is different, and everyone’s hormone levels are different. We’re all at different stages of menopause.

“I think the recommendation will always be that you need to speak to your GP because many symptoms women experience may not just be related to menopause.

“You can’t ignore long-term headaches, for example.

“And if your periods are incredibly heavy, that’s something you really want to go and get checked out.”

There are various symptoms of menopause many women and GPs remain ignorant about. These could include issues with teeth, vision changing suddenly or joint pain.

And while HRT helps ease menopause symptoms, it’s not the only action women can take to support themselves through it.

“Women should look at managing stress, practising mindfulness or getting access to cognitive behavioural therapy or seeing a psychotherapist,” says Dee. Diet and nutrition is also important as oestrogen levels decline.

Menopausal women need diets that are rich in magnesium and vitamin B12, as well as additional protein because bones start to thin.

“Let’s really start championing women who start to take ownership of this,” says Dee. “Once educated, women start to feel in control again.”