Types of Hormone Therapy

The main types of hormone therapy used in Australia and New Zealand that contain oestrogen and progestogens are as follows:

Sequential Combined or Cyclical therapy is often prescribed for women who are still menstruating but are experiencing menopausal symptoms (known as the peri-menopause). Oestrogen is taken continuously for 28 days, with overlapping progestogen for 10-14 days. This type of HT imitates the natural menstrual cycle and you will experience a menstrual period each month while using sequential combined therapy.

Continuous Combined or Bleed-free therapy is generally prescribed for women who are at least one year past the menopause and no longer menstruating. These preparations contain oestrogenic and progestogenic components for the full month and you do not experience monthly periods.

Oestrogen alone therapy consists of oestrogen alone and is only suitable for women who have had a hysterectomy.