Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy in menopause at Polyclinic Cito includes an individualized and safe plan (HRT).

It can be very effective in relieving menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, mood changes and urogenital complaints. However, HRT is not “for everyone” - the decision is made individually after an assessment of symptoms, overall health and risks. At Polyclinic Cito we perform an expert assessment, an ultrasound and targeted tests when needed, and build a safe therapy and monitoring plan.

Page Overview

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy in menopause involves the use of hormones (most often oestrogen, with the addition of a progestogen in women who have a uterus) to replace the hormones the body has stopped producing and thereby ease the symptoms and, in selected cases, gain additional benefits (e.g. the preservation of bone mass in women at higher risk).

Note: HRT is most often considered when symptoms caused by menopause significantly impair quality of life, and a safety assessment shows that the therapy is appropriate.

Which symptoms most often respond best to the therapy?

  • Hot flushes and night sweats
  • Sleep disturbances associated with hot flushes
  • Urogenital complaints (vaginal dryness, discomfort, pain during intercourse) - often local therapy too
  • Some women also notice an improvement in mood and quality of life (depending on the cause of the symptoms)

When is it recommended to consider hormone replacement therapy?

The most common situations in which it can significantly ease menopausal symptoms - provided that the therapy is a safe choice for the individual patient. 

The most common indications

  • marked hot flushes and night sweats
  • insomnia and fatigue associated with menopausal symptoms
  • a significant drop in quality of life due to the symptoms
  • the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (dryness, burning, soreness, frequent urination) - often with local therapy

When additional assessment or caution is needed

  • previous thromboses or clotting disorders
  • severe uncontrolled hypertension
  • active liver disease
  • suspicious bleeding or bleeding after menopause before starting therapy
  • certain types of cancer in the personal medical history (individual assessment)
Note: If you have bleeding after menopause, a gynaecological work-up should be done first, before considering hormone replacement therapy. 

What does the assessment and introduction of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) look like?

The aim is to find the smallest effective dose that eases the symptoms of menopause, with a clear monitoring plan.

1. Conversation and symptom assessment

The intensity, triggers, sleep, urogenital complaints and expectations are assessed. 

2. Gynaecological examination

The state of the vagina and mucosa and the general gynaecological status are assessed to determine whether there is a need for further work-up before therapy. 

3. Ultrasound or further work-up (if needed)

Ultrasound of the uterus and ovaries and targeted laboratory tests when there are symptoms such as bleeding or other risk factors. 

4. Choosing the therapy and a monitoring plan

The form of therapy is chosen (tablets, a patch, gel, local), the dose is determined, and a plan of follow-up examinations is agreed. 

There is no universal best. The choice of therapy depends on the symptoms, health risks and the patient's preferences (e.g. systemic vs. local therapy).
Some women feel an improvement in symptoms relatively quickly (e.g. hot flushes), while for a stable effect and dose adjustment several weeks of monitoring is often needed.

How to prepare for an HRT consultation?

  • Note your symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats, sleep, mood, dryness) and how often they occur.
  • Bring earlier findings (Pap/HPV, ultrasound, mammography/breast ultrasound) if you have them.
  • A list of medicines and supplements (including herbal preparations).

Note your personal and family history (thrombosis, cancers, heart disease).

Frequently asked questions before you arrive

  • Do I need to have blood hormone tests?
    Not always - the clinical picture and safety assessment are often more important.
  • Do I need a mammogram before HRT?
    Depending on your age and previous findings; we align the recommendations individually.
  • What if I have urogenital symptoms but no hot flushes?
    Local therapy is often sufficient – we assess what is optimal.
Note:Fear of HRT is unwarranted; with expert supervision and an individual approach, for many women the therapy can be a safe and effective option for easing the symptoms of menopause. 

What do you gain from an HRT consultation?

To make an informed decision, it is important to receive clear information about the benefits, possible risks and the treatment plan. 

1
An assessment of “benefit vs. risk”
Whether HRT is a good and safe choice for you and why.
2
An individual treatment plan
The choice of form, dose and duration of therapy, with clear instructions for use.
3
A monitoring plan
When the follow-up is, what to monitor at home, how we assess the effect and side effects.

In practice this means

  • realistic expectations and what can be improved with the therapy
  • guidance on what is “normal” at the start of therapy (the adjustment period)
  • clear signs of when to get in touch earlier
  • an arranged follow-up and possible dose adjustments
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Why have a hormone therapy assessment at Cito Polyclinic?

HRT has the best effect when the therapy is individually chosen, safe and accompanied by a clear monitoring plan. Our expert team provides you with: 

  • an individual choice of therapy (without a one-size-fits-all approach)
  • an assessment of safety and clear indications for the therapy 
  • a clear explanation of the options (hormonal and non-hormonal)
  • a plan for monitoring and adjusting the therapy

Not sure whether HRT is right for you?

Arrange a consultation – you will receive a clear assessment of the benefits and risks and a plan that suits your symptoms. 

Price of consultations for hormone replacement therapy?

The price at Cito Polyclinic is 40 €. Please bear in mind that additional diagnostic tests, such as a Pap test and an ultrasound examination, are not included in this price and are charged separately according to the current price list.

You can get the first available appointment straight away by phone on +385 21 457 800 or by sending a short message via the contact form.

Doctors

Our team of expert physicians

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about this service

Who is HRT recommended for and what are the benefits vs. risks?

It is recommended for women with moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms and urogenital atrophy. Benefits include symptom relief and bone protection; risks depend on age, duration and regimen.

What are the types and forms of HRT (pills, patches, gels, IUD)?

Systemic estrogen with progestin in women with a uterus, estrogen alone after hysterectomy; forms are oral, transdermal, gels and the LNG-IUD for endometrial protection.

How is the therapy monitored and how often are check-ups needed?

Check-ups are at 3–6 months after initiation, then annually, with assessment of symptoms, blood pressure, breasts and risks.

Are there side effects and when is therapy stopped or adjusted?

Breast tenderness, bleeding and fluid retention are possible; therapy is adjusted for side effects or changes in the risk–benefit profile.

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