HRT Readiness Quiz
Understand what to consider before talking to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy.
Which symptoms affect your quality of life?
How much do these affect your daily life?
How it works
Answer 6 short sections about your symptoms, medical history, and preferences. You'll get personalised questions to bring to your next doctor visit.
This is educational preparation, not medical advice. Your answers stay in your browser.
Takes about 5 minutes · 6 sections · Clinician-reviewed
Understanding HRT Readiness
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for menopausal symptoms, but deciding whether to try it involves weighing benefits against individual risk factors. This quiz helps you prepare for that conversation.
The decision to use HRT is always individual. What works for one woman may not be appropriate for another, depending on symptoms, medical history, family history, and personal preferences. The goal of this quiz is to help you organise your information and arrive at your appointment with clear, structured questions.
What your doctor needs to know
Your clinician will want to understand your symptom burden, how long you have been experiencing symptoms, your menstrual status, whether your uterus and ovaries are intact, and any relevant medical or family history. Having this information ready makes the visit more efficient and ensures nothing important is missed.
Types of HRT
HRT comes in several forms: oral tablets, transdermal patches, gels, and sprays. Vaginal oestrogen (cream, pessary, or ring) is used specifically for urogenital symptoms. If you have an intact uterus, you will need progesterone alongside oestrogen to protect the endometrium. Your doctor can help choose the type that best fits your needs and risk profile.
When HRT might not be the first choice
For women with certain medical histories — including breast cancer, blood clots, or active liver disease — the conversation may focus on alternative approaches or specialist referral. This does not mean symptoms cannot be managed; it means the approach needs to be more carefully tailored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this quiz recommending HRT?+
No. This quiz does not recommend, prescribe, or advise for or against any treatment. It helps you organise your symptoms, medical history, and questions so you can have a more productive conversation with your healthcare provider.
Who should talk carefully with a doctor before starting HRT?+
Women with a history of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart attack, active liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding should have a detailed discussion with a specialist. A personal or family history of these conditions does not necessarily rule out HRT, but the type and route may need to be carefully chosen.
What conditions matter before starting HRT?+
Key considerations include breast or endometrial cancer history, venous thromboembolism (blood clots), cardiovascular disease, active liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and migraine with aura. Family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or blood clots is also relevant context for the discussion.
What questions should I ask at an HRT visit?+
Good questions include: What types of HRT are available to me? Would transdermal (patch/gel) or oral be more appropriate? Do I need progesterone alongside oestrogen? What are the risks and benefits given my specific history? Are there non-hormonal alternatives worth trying first?
Are there non-hormonal options for menopause symptoms?+
Yes. Depending on your symptoms, options may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for hot flashes, SSRIs or SNRIs for mood and vasomotor symptoms, vaginal moisturisers for dryness, and lifestyle changes including exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene.