COMMON QUESTIONS

Answers to What
Most Women Ask First

Honest, clear answers to the questions women most commonly bring, or are too uncertain to raise.

HRT - KEY QUESTIONS

  • HRT is used for menopause and and to treat symptoms such as hot flushes, fatigue, sleep disruption, mood changes and brain fog. A consultation is required to assess symptoms and determine if hormone therapy is appropriate for you.

  • A consultation is required to assess your symptoms and determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate. HRT is not prescribed unless clinically indicated, the assessment covers your medical history, symptom profile and relevant risk factors.

  • This practice offers hormone replacement therapy in Ballito, with additional consulting at Dolphin Coast Health Centre in Salt Rock. Located at Suite 22, Sanhall Office Park, Ballito.

  • HRT is safe for many patients when prescribed appropriately and monitored. Current guidance from leading menopause societies affirms that for most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of menopause onset, the benefits outweigh the risks. Your individual risk factors are always assessed before treatment starts.

  • Blood tests are required depending on your symptoms and medical history. During your consultation, the need for hormone blood tests and other investigations will be assessed and arranged where clinically appropriate.

ABOUT MENOPAUSE & SYMPTOMS

  • Perimenopause is the transitional phase before your final period and can begin from the early 40s, sometimes the late 30s. Oestrogen levels start fluctuating and declining, causing symptoms even while periods continue. Many women miss this because they assume menopause means periods have stopped. The earlier these changes are identified, the more treatment options are available.

  • Yes. Perimenopause often involves ongoing but irregular periods alongside the classic symptoms: poor sleep, mood changes, hot flushes, brain fog and low energy. Treatment options are available throughout perimenopause, not only after periods have ceased.

  • Possibly, yes. Unexplained fatigue, sleep disruption, mood changes, irregular periods or reduced libido in your 40s warrants a proper clinical assessment. These symptoms are real and may have a hormonal explanation.

HRT SAFETY & MEDICAL SUPERVISION

  • Current guidance from leading menopause societies affirms that for most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of menopause onset, the benefits outweigh the risks. Much earlier concern was based on an older study using a type of HRT no longer considered standard. Modern Bio-identical hormones have a well-established safety profile, and your individual risk factors are always assessed before treatment starts.

  • Absolutely. Structured follow-up is central to Dr. Breckon's approach. A review is scheduled typically 6–12 weeks after starting treatment, and at regular intervals thereafter. Treatment is never simply initiated and left unreviewed.

  • Certain medical histories require careful assessment, including some hormone-sensitive cancers, unexplained vaginal bleeding, active liver disease or specific clotting disorders. This does not automatically rule out treatment; it means options are evaluated carefully in the context of your individual profile.

  • Routine breast screening is recommended while on HRT. Yearly mammograms and/or ultrasounds are generally advised, though the frequency and most appropriate method are assessed individually based on your personal history and risk profile. This is discussed as part of your ongoing care.

  • Cervical screening is recommended every three years regardless of whether you are on HRT. This can be completed at the rooms, either using a self-administered testing kit or a formal pap smear where clinically indicated. The appropriate approach is assessed individually at your consultation.

TREATMENT EXPECTATIONS & TIMELINE

  • Response times vary. Many women notice improvements in sleep and hot flushes within 2–4 weeks. Mood and energy often take 6–12 weeks for full effect. Your follow-up review is timed to the point where your response can be meaningfully assessed.

  • Tablets are one option. Transdermal HRT, patches, gels, creams applied to the skin, avoids the oral route and is often preferred for both effectiveness and safety profile. Vaginal preparations are also available. The right form depends on your symptoms, preferences and clinical picture.

  • There is no fixed duration. Many women continue for several years. The decision is made collaboratively based on ongoing review, updated health information and your personal preferences. There is no automatic recommendation to stop at any particular age.

BOOKING & CONSULTATION PROCESS

  • Helpful to bring: a list of your current symptoms and when they started; list of current medications and supplements; any recent blood test results; a brief personal and family health history. Don't worry if you don't have all of this it’s not a prerequisite.

  • Initial consultations are typically 30-45 minutes. Follow-up appointments are shorter. This is a private practice. Please contact the rooms directly for fee information.

  • Yes. Patients travel from Durban North, Umhlanga, La Mercy, Tongaat and along the North Coast. The clinic is easily accessible from the N2 at Sanhall Office Park, Ballito. Follow-up consultations may be possible telephonically in some circumstances.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP

The best answers come in person.

No question is too small. Book a consultation with Dr. Breckon and leave with clarity.

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