HRT Safety & Monitoring
HRT Safety & Your Personalised Monitoring Plan
Your Safety is My First Priority
The decision to start Hormone Replacement Therapy is a significant one, and it is completely natural to have questions about its safety. My absolute first priority as your menopause specialist is your health and wellbeing. My practice is built on a foundation of evidence-based medicine, which means that every decision we make together is guided by the most up-to-date, rigorous scientific data.
Modern, well-managed HRT is a safe and effective treatment for the vast majority of women. A crucial part of this safety is the comprehensive process of assessment, personalisation, and ongoing monitoring that I provide for every patient. This page outlines my commitment to your safety at every step of your HRT journey.
Initial Safety Assessment
The Comprehensive Initial Safety Assessment
Before any prescription is written, we conduct a thorough risk assessment during your initial consultation. This is a deep-dive into your personal health profile to ensure HRT is a safe and appropriate choice for you. This includes:
Detailed Medical History
We will discuss your personal health history in detail, including any past or current medical conditions
Family Medical History
We will carefully review the health history of your close relatives to identify any potential hereditary risks.
Lifestyle Factor Analysis
We will discuss lifestyle factors, such as your weight, alcohol consumption, and smoking status, which are all part of your overall health picture.
Risk & Benefit Discussion
We will have an open and honest conversation about the potential risks and the significant benefits of HRT as they apply to you specifically, putting them into a clear and understandable perspective.
Ongoing Monitoring
Your Health Partnership
Starting HRT is not a one-time decision; it is the beginning of a health partnership. Regular follow-ups are an essential part of ensuring your treatment remains safe and effective for the long term.
- Your First Follow-Up (at 3 Months): We will schedule your first follow-up appointment approximately three months after you start HRT. The purpose of this crucial check-in is to: Assess how you are feeling and how your symptoms are responding. Discuss any side effects, which are often temporary and can be managed by adjusting the dose or type of hormone. Make any necessary adjustments to your prescription to ensure it is perfectly optimized for you.
- Annual HRT Review: Once you are established on a stable dose, we will have a consultation at least once a year to: Review your symptoms and overall health. Check your blood pressure and discuss your weight. Discuss any new medical issues that may have arisen over the year. Make a shared, informed decision about continuing HRT for the year ahead. Ensure you are up-to-date with your national health screenings, such as mammograms and cervical smears.
Testosterone
Your Role in the Safety Partnership
Your active participation is a key part of the monitoring process. To ensure your ongoing safety, it is important that you:
- Attend your scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Report any unexpected side effects or new health concerns promptly.
- Stay up-to-date with your routine health screenings, including regular mammograms.
- Inform me of any new medications you are prescribed by other doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
It was very comfortable talking to Dr Dudeja about the symptoms I have been experiencing. She made me feel at ease so I could explain everything in detail.
I was made to feel at ease and comfy very quickly which helped me relax and explain my struggles and symptoms .