This form of HRT combines doses of estrogen and progesterone (progestin is a synthetic form of progesterone). Combination therapy is used if a woman still has her uterus. Estrogen-alone HRT can stimulate the lining of the womb (endometrium), leading to excess growth and possibly cancer. Therefore for women who have not had a hysterectomy, a second hormone is also prescribed (progestogen) to counteract the effects of estrogen and protect the endometrium. Combined HRT is available in the form of either a tablet or a patch.
How effective have combination tablets been for relieving your symptoms?
Please share your review with the Caria community:
This poll ran on the Caria community site and is now closed. The final results are below.
- Somewhat effective51.43%54 votes
- Very effective43.81%46 votes
- Not effective4.76%5 votes
105 responses in total.
Community comments
7Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
Join the discussion
Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Sunny6 years ago
Had to go on tablets as I wasn’t absorbing enough through my skin with the patches. The tablets worked as my levels improved and it helped to stop hot flushes completely, which was a huge relief as they were very bad, all through the day and waking me up in the nights etc. So my sleep improved and I had less mood swings and brain fog. Felt more human again. I think my anxiety levels got better too although I could still do better there. Joint pains went away and that awful buzzing in my head/ ears. I’m so glad of my friends’ advice to go on Hrt. I’m still not the person I was before the menopause and could improve my hormonal health but I’m a lot better since taking these tablets.
Tee6 years ago
Almost a week after starting the combination HRT I began feeling like my usual ‘before’ menopause self. A huge relief. It is a shame they cost twice the price and that women should have to pay for this medication at all.
Nic6 years ago
I don’t mind paying towards my medication (not thinking of cost here but the principle), but paying double for this combination hrt aggravates me.
Dawnreplying to Nic5 years ago
I’ve found that buying on line from you only get charged one prescription cost - pays to shop around even for things like this!
Badtemper6 years ago
Have only recently been put on HRT and after just over 2 weeks I have seen some improvement! Brain fog still their, anxiety slightly better, less mood swings and the urge to give anyone who annoys me a peace of my mind. First half of packet felt great, since starting second half I have had a headache, more irritable and early wakings.... maybe coincidence but will monitor.
Alexandra6 years ago
When I finally decided to ask for HRT after suffering early on rage, anxiety, which caused the hot flashes to be severe (had to change clothes at least 2x day because they were soaked) but no night sweats, brain fog, frequently woke up at night and so on. My gyn said I’d be feeling normal in a week I was skeptical and unfortunately, she was wrong. I had horrible headaches that took >6 months to subside, but the main reason I got on HRT, the hot flashes, persisted. Not as terrible as before, but still, I wasn’t happy. I couldn’t easily switch to another brand or a patch because my insurance didn’t even want to cover one the nurse finally found. Ridiculous! But Viagra for men is covered. Long story short, maybe I should’ve asked for a higher dose initially but after taking HRT for 1.5 years, life’s gotten better. I realized that my anxiety was the real culprit behind my being soaked all day which in turn created more anxiety and a fear of getting hot flashes. And I have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism shortly after menopause began, which didn’t help either. The headaches should disappear, but if too painful or persistent, seek medical advice! We’re all different in our experiences and no one advise is applicable to all women.
Kat6 years ago
I suffer from skin flare ups and found that I reacted badly to the progesterone tablet. I am currently taking the oestrogen twice then one progesterone. This has helped skin flare ups, but anxiety and irritability not great.