About
Is bleeding on HRT normal? It’s a common side effect that usually settles and there’s often a simple explanation.
Consultant gynaecologist Tony Chalhoub worked for years in a rapid-access clinic for postmenopausal bleeding and helped establish Newcastle’s accredited endometriosis centre. He shares how a health scare ofhis own changed the way he listens to patients.
In this episode, Dr Louise Newson and Tony Chalhoub talk about how a few missed days of progesterone, patch that didn’t stick or a urine infection can all lead to bleeding, why a careful history matters so much, and why stopping an evidence-based treatment can bring symptoms straight back.
They also discuss why Louise kept her ovaries at hysterectomy, why estrogen alone may not be enough after surgical menopause, and why women with endometriosis deserve to be believed even when their scans are normal.
If you have any bleeding on HRT, speak to your doctor so it can be properly assessed.
Follow Tony: @drtonychalhoub
Chapters
00:00 Why does listening to women matter so much?
00:22 Why aren't gynaecologists taught about HRT?
02:24 What did training across the UK teach Tony?
03:39 Can a hysteroscopy be done without going to sleep?
06:41 Why were women told fibroid surgery was too risky?
07:29 Does bleeding on HRT mean cancer?
10:25 Should you stop HRT if you have bleeding?
11:20 What did a cancer scare teach a gynaecologist?
12:40 Could bleeding after sex be vaginal dryness?
13:05 Why are doctors scared of vaginal oestrogen?
13:50 Can women have HRT after cancer?
15:17 Should you keep your ovaries with womb cancer?
16:39 Why would a breast cancer survivor try HRT?
17:22 Why did Louise keep her ovaries at hysterectomy?
19:18 Is oestrogen enough after surgical menopause?
21:26 Should HRT be part of gynaecology training?
22:31 Does oestradiol cause womb cancer?
24:06 Is it OK for doctors to say I don't know?
25:19 Why are women with endometriosis not believed?
27:13 Why doesn't endometriosis pain match the scan?
28:40 Can men get endometriosis?
30:36 What needs to change in endometriosis care?
👉 Bleeding on HRT? Trackyour symptoms and treatment in the balance app so your doctor gets the fullpicture: https://balance-app.com/?utm_source=DLN&utm_medium=biolink&utm_campaign=crosspromo
👉 More from Dr Louise Newson: https://linkin.bio/drlouisenewson