The HRT episode you've been waiting for! Cherry Healey and Dr. Amir Khan tackle your biggest questions about hormone replacement therapy, whether you're thinking about starting, already taking it, or just want to understand more about it. You’ll find out the game-changing gel everyone's talking about, when to start HRT, how to know if it's working, what to do about side effects, and whether you can take it forever. Dr. Amir breaks down the science, while Cherry shares her own journey and poses your questions about testosterone, joint pain and migraines. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: [email protected] Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:39 What is HRT? Oestrogen, progesterone & testosterone explained 04:10 Why menopause hits women so hard 05:10 When should you consider starting HRT? 07:25 Does skipping HRT affect long-term health & dementia risk? 09:18 How perimenopause can force healthier lifestyle habits 10:08 Can you start HRT after menopause? 11:38 Types of HRT: gels, patches, sprays & progesterone 14:43 HRT with endometriosis & fibroids – is it safe? 17:02 HRT and migraines – can migraine sufferers take HRT? 18:10 How long can you stay on HRT? Can you take it forever? 19:47 What happens when you stop HRT? Do symptoms return? 20:38 How long does HRT take to start working? 21:35 What if HRT stops working? Adjusting dose & absorption 22:42 Side effects of HRT & progesterone intolerance 23:23 Testosterone for women – NHS vs private access 26:47 HRT, joint pain & “menopause shoulder” 28:37 Natural alternatives to HRT & lifestyle changes 30:03 Final thoughts: Don’t suffer in silence 30:56 GP disclaimer + menopause specialists 31:00 Listener health question: ear pain, reflux & OtoVent device 33:16 Outro & where to follow the podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices