What Does HRT Look Like In 2026?

A treatment that can alleviate the distress of menopause? Endocrinologist, Dr Milena Caccelli shares how modern HRT solutions can offer significant relief

“Menopause is inevitable, there’s no escaping it. And while there is no cure, we have seen tremendous improvement, with women facing a 30% decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, 70% reduction in mood swings and sleep disturbances, and a 10% improvement in bone density. Most women don’t realise they have options and don’t need to suffer more than they have to,” says Dr. Milena Caccelli, Endocrinologist at GluCare.Health.

Menopause – perhaps the misunderstood and dismissed part of a woman’s journey – is still often stigmatised and misinterpreted. There is limited discussion around it, not enough questions asked or specific support established. Women tend to suffer through it in silence; after all it’s yet another biological hurdle that life presents us with. But why do we feel so blindsided and overwhelmed when faced with menopause?

There is hope on the horizon: here’s how modern HRT solutions can come to the rescue…

What Is HRT?

“HRT is a treatment for women experiencing imbalances, fluctuations, and a natural decline in reproductive hormones, challenging the human body in physical, emotional and cognitive ways. It involves administering hormones such as oestrogen – with or without progesterone – to help regain balance and improve hormonal health. Oestrogen helps regulate many of our bodies’ systems including vessels, bones, skin, and the brain. By replenishing these systems, the symptoms of menopause can be relieved,” says Dr. Milena.

Which Symptoms Does It Tackle? 

“Perimenopause is the phase leading up to menopause, and can be seen in women as early as their mid-30s. Resulting in significant physical and emotional shifts due to the fluctuation of hormones (particularly oestrogen). Menopause, which marks the end of the reproductive cycle is when these shifts are at their prime, while facing a natural decline in oestrogen. Symptoms of these conditions can include brain fog, hair thinning, weight gain, bone loss, the risk of cardiovascular disease, depression and anxiety, sexual dysfunction, and of course, the infamous hot flashes” says Dr. Milena. “While HRT may not be a full-fledged cure, it can help reduce these symptoms.” she adds.

Types Of HRT

“The specific treatment recommended to women will depend on factors such as their medical history and present symptoms. HRT is available in multiple forms such as: tablets (oestrogen and progesterone pills), skin patches, vaginal options (rings, suppositories, and creams), oestrogen supplements (gels, sprays, creams). A combination of pills and patches are also attainable,” says Dr. Milena.

If you’re curious to know what treatment corresponds with which symptom, forms of oestrogen are the primary source to treating severe hot flashes, vaginal and urinary discomfort and pain; while a combination of pills and patches can attend to bone loss and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Risks And Side-effects

Dr. Milena clarifies that “a very common question is whether HRT is the cause of cancer or weight gain?” Every treatment depends on the individual and their body. For some women, “there is a small increase in the risk of breast cancer, blood clots and cardiovascular diseases. However this depends on the age (beyond 60) and duration of therapy. HRT is usually prescribed at the lowest effective dose and carefully monitored after the first three months, with breast screenings, pelvic exams and blood tests. Lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet, exercise, weight management, stress reduction, and healthy sleep, definitely play a major role in managing these risks, and are always encouraged in menopausal women, with or without the use of HRT.” Your first port of call should always be your doctor, who can discuss the best treatments for your individual needs.

The Process

Dr. Milena says, “your first consultation for HRT is designed to understand your symptoms, assess your overall health, and decide if hormone therapy is right for you. It usually begins with understanding personal and family medical history, as well as discussing lifestyle factors, symptoms, and current medication. Then follows the physical examination, including blood tests, body composition analysis, breast and/or pelvic examinations, and if appropriate, a mammogram, pap smear, or bone scan.”

Once the initial testing is complete, there is a discussion around the treatments, which are thoroughly customised to fit the needs of each patient. How, you may wonder? “Through the test results, the care team has a set of biomarkers for every patient, which are thoroughly analysed in order to create a personalised and science-backed treatment plan. Every patient is given an Oura Ring, through which we are able track their cycle phases and detect changes in hormone levels. This tech is also used to keep an eye on sleep and physical activity trends. It may sound overwhelming, but practitioners guide you through every step of the way. And if you’re wanting to feel prepared, write down your main symptoms, questions, and concerns before your consultation,” advises Dr. Milena.

“The treatment is tailored to the patient and not the other way round. That’s why it is so important to consult with medical professionals before trying to treat symptoms by oneself – something we frequently see in an increasingly commercialised women’s health market,” says Dr. Milena.

The Future of HRT

Dr. Milena believes that “the role of AI in the future of HRT will undoubtedly continue to grow, given it’s already transforming menopause care and research – helping doctors predict health risks and spot early hormonal imbalances – AI already takes precision and personalization to an entirely new level. It will be interesting to see what’s next.”

“HRT can provide safe and effective relief when prescribed and monitored appropriately. Not only does it improve quality of life, it restores balance and helps protect long-term health. Don’t postpone consulting your doctor about HRT. Patients often feel grateful and relieved to feel like themselves again.”

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