Actually MHT is often used in the lead up to the final period - because for many women, this is the time she will experience the most severe and widely ranging symptoms.

Current conclusions from studies show that taking combined oestrogen and a progestogen for five years does not increase the risk for breast cancer, in women aged 50-59 years old or who start within 10 years of their menopause. Beyond this the risk may be slightly increased but is different depending on the formulation of MHT.

The dose, route, and type of oestrogen and progestogen used in MHT is different to what is commonly used in the contraceptive pill and is remarkably well tolerated. Your doctor will be happy to discuss your concerns and work out what is right for you, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

MHT will not make you gain weight faster than other women who don’t use MHT.  Around mid-life there is often a change in ease of weight gain, and the pattern of gain changes from the hips to the abdomen.  

Unfortunately, MHT cannot help you to lose weight either!

One form of MHT  “Premarin, or conjugated equine oestrogens”, which was used in the WHI studies is indeed purified from the urine of pregnant mares.  Currently most other forms of MHT are created from plant products, commonly yam and soybean.  

"Menopause is diagnosed clinically - when a woman over 45 years of age hasn’t had a period for 12 months (outside of an IUD or after endometrial ablation).  Blood hormones can be too variable between different women and also within the same women across different days or cycles, to be definitive.  It can be helpful sometimes, such as in younger women when menopause is unexpected or in unusual cases.

Compounded medications, including MHT, are made according to a doctor’s “bespoke” prescription by an individual compounding chemist.  In the past it was more commonly used as there were a lack of commercially available bioidentical hormones, but these are readily available now. Pharmaceutical grade, non-compounded bioidentical hormones have been rigorously studied and proven in order to be approved, and continue to be monitored. Compounded products are not tested or monitored,  and can vary significantly in purity, dose, absorption and may contain other additives.  Your doctor will be monitoring your response to the non-compounded MHT and tailor the right formulation and dose to suit you.