Who Is MHT For? (And Why It’s Not Just About Hot Flushes)

A guide for anyone wondering if hormone therapy might be part of their care.

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT)—also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)—is commonly associated with treating symptoms after menopause, when estrogen levels have dropped and periods have stopped. In that situation, we’re replacing what’s missing.

But here’s what’s essential to understand:
Hormonal changes can impact people long before menopause—and far beyond hot flushes.

MHT can be helpful for people in a range of situations:

🔁 Perimenopause

When hormones fluctuate (often wildly), and symptoms like anxiety, poor sleep, low mood, brain fog, cycle changes, and physical discomfort arise—this is often the most symptomatic time. MHT can support hormone balance through the turbulence.

⏸️ Menopause

When estrogen is low or absent, and symptoms persist—from vasomotor symptoms (hot flushes, night sweats) to joint pain, dry skin, fatigue, or cognitive changes—MHT provides true replacement therapy.

⚠️ Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

MHT is included in clinical guidelines as a potential treatment for PMDD, especially when symptoms are severe and tied to hormonal sensitivity. It may help smooth hormonal fluctuations and stabilise mood.

🧬 Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)

People with POI experience menopause symptoms under age 40 due to diminished ovarian function. MHT is not optional here—it’s essential for symptom relief, bone protection, and long-term cardiovascular and cognitive health.

🏥 Surgical or Medical Menopause

Whether due to surgery (e.g. removal of ovaries) or medical treatments (e.g. chemotherapy or medications that suppress ovarian function), these abrupt transitions can cause sudden, severe symptoms. MHT can play a key role in restoring quality of life and preventing long-term complications.

And it’s not just about symptoms.

Estrogen is protective—especially for bone health.
People with low or fluctuating estrogen are at higher risk of developing osteopenia and osteoporosis, particularly if symptoms start early or estrogen isn’t replaced after surgical/medical menopause or POI.

So, who is this course for?

• Anyone who’s menopausal, perimenopausal, or postmenopausal
• Anyone experiencing hormone-related symptoms across the cycle
• Those with PMDD, POI, or early/surgical menopause
• Anyone wanting to prevent or address long-term impacts like osteoporosis
• Anyone asking, “Could hormones be part of what’s going on?”

As a doctor, I’ve come to this conclusion:
If you’re having cyclical symptoms, new changes in mood or energy, or have entered menopause (in any form) and feel off, you deserve to know what MHT can offer.

Because why wait to suffer?
When we understand hormones earlier, we can act sooner—and feel better, longer.