New National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines urge GPs to make hormone replacement therapy (HRT) the go-to treatment for menopause symptoms.
These guidelines, revised in November 2024, focus on diagnosing and managing menopause, including cases of premature ovarian insufficiency. The new recommendations also provide GPs with an updated discussion aid to help communicate effectively with patients about HRT options.
HRT functions by supplementing the hormones oestrogen and/or progesterone, which decline naturally as women transition out of their reproductive years, usually between 45 and 55. It is available in several forms, including gels, creams, pessaries, tablets, patches, and sprays. The revised guidance recommends that GPs tailor treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs and circumstances, ensuring the most appropriate option is chosen.
The Aesthetics Journal contacted NICE for further insights into any initiatives supporting equitable HRT access for women from ethnic minority backgrounds and lower-income communities. Philip Ranson, media relations manager at NICE, pointed to the Department of Health and Social Care’s Women’s Health Strategy. This strategy includes establishing women’s health hubs, aiming to reduce diagnostic delays and improve access to essential support.
