At Miror’s HRT Centre of Excellence – India’s first dedicated hub for menopause and midlife care, we know that taking the first step towards HRT can feel confusing. You may have heard mixed opinions — some friends swear by it, while older studies painted it as risky. The truth? Today’s evidence shows that for most women in India, the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks, especially when it’s chosen with care, the right dosage, and regular follow-ups.
Your experience with HRT will depend on your age, symptoms, health history, and risk factors. If you are under 60, experiencing troublesome menopause symptoms, and not at high risk for breast cancer or blood clots, the benefits are likely to be much greater than the risks.
The journey is not one-size-fits-all. At Miror, we guide you with science, but also with empathy — so you feel supported, heard, and cared for.
Relief from Menopause
Symptoms
The biggest gift of HRT is how quickly it eases those symptoms that can steal your peace:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Broken sleep and restlessness
- Anxiety, irritability, and mood swings
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort
- Most women notice improvements within days to weeks of starting therapy. Even small changes can make daily life feel easier.
Protecting Your Bones (Osteoporosis Prevention)
After menopause, falling oestrogen levels make bones fragile and prone to fractures — a big concern in Indian women, who are already at higher risk of low bone density. HRT restores oestrogen, helping your bones stay stronger for longer. This is especially important if your periods stopped before 45 (early or premature menopause).
Supporting Muscle Strength
It’s common to feel your muscles weaken around menopause, affecting stamina and daily energy. HRT, combined with exercise, helps maintain muscle strength so you feel more active, agile, and confident.
Risks of HRT
The risks of HRT are usually very low and depend on:
- The type of HRT you take (tablets vs patches/gel/spray),
- How long you take it,
- And your personal health profile.
That’s why a conversation with a trained doctor is essential. At Miror,
we don’t just prescribe — we walk you through what each option means for you.
Breast Cancer
- Combined HRT (oestrogen + progestogen) can slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. For context, about 5 extra cases per 1,000 women taking it for 5 years.
- The risk increases with age and length of use, but drops again once you stop.
- Oestrogen-only HRT (for women who’ve had a hysterectomy) carries little or no increase in breast cancer risk.
It’s very important to keep up with regular breast screening (mammograms) while on HRT.
Blood Clots
- HRT tablets can slightly raise the risk of blood clots.
- But patches, gels, and sprays — which are absorbed through the skin — do not increase this risk, making them a safer choice, especially for women prone to clotting issues.
Stroke
- HRT tablets slightly increase the risk of stroke, but again, the absolute risk is very low if you’re under 60.
- Non-oral forms (patch, gel, spray) do not carry this added risk.
Other Conditions & Ongoing Research
- Heart health (coronary disease): HRT has little or no effect on risk.
- Diabetes: HRT does not increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Some studies even suggest a small protective effect.
- Dementia: Research is still ongoing; no clear protective benefit has been proven.
Vaginal Oestrogen — A Special Note
For vaginal dryness, low-dose oestrogen (cream, pessary, ring, or tablet) is very safe, even for long-term use. Almost none of it enters your bloodstream, so it does not raise the risk of breast cancer, clots, or stroke.
The Miror Approach
Every woman’s menopause journey is different. At Miror’s HRT Centre of Excellence, we believe in:
- Personalised care: choosing the right type and dose for you.
- Regular reassessments: reviewing annually (or earlier, if needed).
- Holistic support: pairing HRT with nutrition, movement, and emotional wellbeing.
HRT isn’t about “turning back the clock.” It’s about giving your body the support it needs so you can step into your next chapter with strength, calm, and confidence.
Remember: you are not alone in this journey. With the right care, menopause can be a transition — not a struggle.
At Miror’s HRT Centre of Excellence, we combine medical expertise with personalized care designed specifically for Indian women, helping you navigate menopause with confidence and comfort.
