Understanding HRT: A Practical Guide for Women 40+ | Ep 94

Mar 9, 2026

Dr Clare Spencer, GP and menopause specialist at My Menopause Centre, offers calm, evidence-based guidance on HRT. She explains how HRT works, why progesterone may be needed, and the pros and cons of patches, gels, tablets and coils. Practical topics include managing bleeding, clot and cancer risk in context, tailoring treatment after cancer or complex histories, and when to seek specialist referral.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Choose Transdermal Estrogen If Clot Risk Concerns You

Avoid oral estrogen if you're at higher risk of blood clots; prefer transdermal (skin) estrogen which appears not to increase clot risk.
Clare explains swallowing estrogen roughly doubles clot risk, while patches/gels do not.

ADVICE

Discuss HRT With Specialists After Cancer

If you've had hormonally dependent cancer like breast cancer, discuss HRT with your cancer team because HRT likely increases recurrence risk.
For non-hormonal cancers, HRT is generally more likely to be acceptable after specialist review.

INSIGHT

HRT Offers Long Term Bone And Heart Benefits

Beyond symptom relief, HRT reduces bone loss and lowers cardiovascular risk, giving long-term health benefits.
Clare emphasises reduced fractures with improved bone density and a clear reduction in heart disease risk.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) remains one of the most talked-about — and often misunderstood — aspects of menopause.

In this expert-led Henpicked Lunch & Learn, Deborah Garlick is joined by menopause specialist Dr Clare Spencer to answer the most frequently asked questions about HRT — clearly, calmly and based on current medical evidence.

From understanding what HRT actually does in the body, to exploring risks, benefits, cancer concerns, blood clot history, different product options and what to do if the first type doesn't suit you — this episode provides practical, balanced guidance.

You'll hear:

What HRT is and how it works during perimenopause and postmenopause
Why some women need progesterone alongside oestrogen
The different types of HRT available today (patches, gels, sprays, tablets and coils)
The real risks of HRT — including breast cancer and blood clots — explained in context
The proven long-term benefits for bone and heart health
What to consider if you've had cancer, endometriosis or other medical conditions
When to seek specialist referral
Why finding the right type and dose can take time

This is a grounded, evidence-based conversation designed to help you separate myth from medical fact — and feel more confident discussing your options with a healthcare professional.

About Dr Clare Spencer

This episode features Dr Clare Spencer, GP and menopause specialist at My Menopause Centre.

Dr Spencer has extensive experience supporting women through perimenopause and menopause and is part of the clinical team at:

🌐 My Menopause Centre https://www.mymenopausecentre.com/our-team/dr-clare-spencer/

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymenopausecentre/

My Menopause Centre is CQC-rated Outstanding and provides specialist, evidence-based menopause care.

About Henpicked

Henpicked has been supporting women and working with organisations to create more inclusive, informed workplaces for over 13 years. Through expert-led Lunch & Learn sessions, accreditation programmes and trusted resources, Henpicked continues to drive menopause and women's health awareness in workplaces and beyond.

To join future free Lunch & Learn sessions, visit: https://henpicked.net