Understand the concern
Treatment depends on the symptom, your history and preferences. Systemic hormone therapy and local vaginal treatments have different purposes.
What assessment may involve
Discuss whether you have a womb, your bleeding pattern, medical history and current medicines before choosing hormone treatment.
Care options to discuss
Options include hormone therapy, selected non-hormonal medicines and psychological approaches. Systemic oestrogen usually needs womb-lining protection when a womb is present.
These are discussion points, not a prescription. Suitability and availability vary.
Practical next steps
Before choosing treatment, identify what you most want to improve. Ask how systemic HRT, local vaginal treatment and non-hormonal options differ. Tell the prescriber about your uterus, bleeding history, medicines and relevant personal or family illness. There is no single best regimen for everyone.
Follow-up and decisions
Ask what benefit to expect, which side effects or bleeding changes to report and when to review. Do not add herbal preparations without discussing interactions. If an option is unsuitable or unwanted, ask about alternatives. The decision can be revisited as symptoms and priorities change.
A question you may have
Are herbal treatments automatically safer?
No. Evidence, side effects and interactions must also be considered.
Prepare for your appointment
What to record
Bring your symptoms, medicines and questions about benefits and risks.
Questions worth asking
What benefits and risks apply to my own health history?
When should treatment be reviewed?