HRT Soft Capsules

What are HRT Soft Capsules and what are they used for?

HRT Soft Capsules contain a hormone. It can be taken alongside the hormone oestrogen as a combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Taking HRT can ease the unpleasant symptoms of the menopause for some women, such as hot flushes, low mood and vaginal dryness. HRT can also be taken by women experiencing signs of perimenopause.

HRT Soft Capsule Treatment is suitable for women with an intact uterus or womb when taken with oestrogens (i.e. combined HRT). Oral use only.

How to take HRT Soft Capsule Treatment

HRT Soft Capsules are for oral use only and should only be taken by women experiencing symptoms of menopause alongside oestrogen as directed by your doctor.

There are two ways you may be directed to take HRT Soft Capsule Treatment:

1. For women who are still having periods within the last 6 to 12 months: Take 200mg every day from day 15 to day 26 of your 28-day monthly cycle. This regime will create an artificial monthly bleed.
2. For women who have not had a period for over a year: Take 100mg at bedtime from Day 1 to Day 25 of each therapeutic cycle.

Side Effects

All medicines carry the risk of side effects, though not everyone experiences them. The following side effects were reported in > 10% of patients with daily 0.625 mg conjugated oestrogen:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Dizziness
  
• Depression
• Breast tenderness
• Hot flushes
• Vaginal discharge
• Joint pain
• Urinary problems

If you are concerned about any side effects you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice. For more information about potential side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet.

Warnings

Please read the full information regarding warnings and precautions detailed in the Patient Information Leaflet before taking HRT Soft Capsule Treatment.

Using HRT treatment increases your risk of developing certain health conditions. You should take time to consider the risk factors associated with HRT before deciding if it’s the best option for you at this time. If you have any questions or concerns you should discuss these with your GP or specialist.

Do not take HRT Soft Capsule Treatment:

• If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to progesterone or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
• If you have ever had breast cancer, or if you are suspecting of having it
• If you have cancer which is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), or if you are suspected of having it
• If you have any unexplained vaginal bleeding
• If you have or ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• If you have a blood clotting disorder (such as protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
• If you have or recently have had a disease caused by blood clots in the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
• If you have or have ever had a liver disease and your liver function tests have not returned to normal
• If you have a rare blood problem called “porphyria” which is passed down in families (inherited)
• If you have bleeding in the brain (cerebral haemorrhage)
• If you are breast-feeding (see “Pregnancy and Breast-feeding” in the Patient Information Leaflet)

This service may not be suitable for all patients, including some older adults or those with complex health conditions.