Best HRT Information Resources in the UK
The best HRT information resources in the UK, including NICE guidelines, Newson Health, the British Menopause Society, NHS.uk, and key books to read.
Why Good HRT Information Is Hard to Find
Misinformation about HRT has been widespread since the 2002 Women's Health Initiative study, which was widely misreported as showing that HRT causes breast cancer. Subsequent analysis has shown that the study's findings were more nuanced and that the risks were largely associated with synthetic progestins and oral estrogen rather than body-identical hormones. Despite significant improvements in the evidence base since then, many GPs remain cautious or uncertain about HRT prescribing. This means women often need to arrive at appointments already informed, knowing which questions to ask and which evidence to reference. The resources below are the most reliable starting points.
NICE Guideline NG23
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued Guideline NG23 on menopause in 2015, updated in 2019. It is the clinical standard that NHS GPs are expected to follow. It states clearly that HRT is effective for menopausal symptoms, that the benefits outweigh the risks for most women under 60, and that women should not be denied HRT on the basis of age alone. The full guideline is available on the NICE website in both clinical and patient formats. The patient version is readable without medical training and makes a good reference for conversations with your GP. Knowing the NICE recommendation exists gives you a foundation for advocating for appropriate care.
Newson Health and the Balance App
Dr Louise Newson and Newson Health have produced an extensive library of free, evidence-based resources on perimenopause and HRT. The Newson Health website hosts articles, podcasts, and research summaries written for both patients and clinicians. The Balance app, developed by Newson Health, includes a symptom tracker, educational content, and tools to help women prepare for GP appointments. The app's symptom report feature generates a standardised summary that can be printed or shared with a clinician. The Newson Health podcast, available on all major platforms, features interviews with researchers, GPs, and specialists and covers a wide range of topics beyond HRT.
The British Menopause Society
The British Menopause Society (BMS) is the UK's leading professional body for menopause care. It publishes evidence-based consensus statements, clinical guidelines, and patient-facing information. The BMS website has a searchable tool to find practitioners who hold BMS menopause specialist credentials. Their patient leaflets cover specific topics such as HRT types, breast cancer risk, bone health, and cardiovascular risk in clear, factual language. The BMS also provides a 'questions to ask your doctor' resource that helps women prepare for appointments. Citing BMS guidance in a GP conversation carries clinical weight.
NHS.uk and Patient.info
The NHS website provides reliable, if conservative, information on perimenopause and HRT. It covers symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options (including non-hormonal alternatives), and how to access care. The NHS pages are a good starting point for women new to the topic and a useful cross-reference to check information found elsewhere. Patient.info is an independently reviewed medical information site widely used by UK GPs themselves; its menopause and HRT pages are written and reviewed by GPs and generally reflect current guidance. Both sites are free and accessible without registration.
Key Books to Read
Two books stand out as essential reading for UK women navigating HRT decisions. Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden ND is a practical, evidence-referenced guide to managing perimenopause with both hormonal and non-hormonal strategies. It covers HRT types, natural options, and common conditions that overlap with perimenopause. The Menopause Brain by Dr Lisa Mosconi is a neuroscientist's accessible exploration of what estrogen does in the brain, why cognitive symptoms happen, and what the evidence shows about HRT and brain health. Both are available as hardback, paperback, and ebook. Reading either before a clinical appointment significantly improves the quality of the conversation you can have with your doctor.
What to Bring to a GP Appointment
Arriving at a GP appointment well prepared makes a significant difference to the outcome. Bring a written list of your symptoms, how long you have had them, and how they affect your daily life. A symptom log from an app, covering at least 4 to 6 weeks, gives objective data to support your description. Note any medications and supplements you currently take. If you want to discuss HRT specifically, you can reference the NICE NG23 guideline and ask your GP to explain how their recommendation compares to it. If you have concerns about a specific risk, bring those as written questions. The PeriPlan app lets you log symptoms and track patterns over time, making it straightforward to print or share a clear symptom history before your appointment.
Related reading
Get your personalized daily plan
Track symptoms, match workouts to your day type, and build a routine that adapts with you through every phase of perimenopause.