Promoting confidence in HRT

Sara, the practice nurse, expected the smear visit to be straightforward and quick. Her patient Jenni, aged 53 years, had always attended for screening, and there were no documented previous problems with the procedure. However, on the couch, Jenni admitted that she was 'a bit dry' and the procedure was uncomfortable for her.

After the procedure was complete and Jenni was comfortable, Sara took the opportunity to discuss the issue further and Jenni mentioned that, in addition to vaginal dryness, she had experienced hot flushes every day for more than a year. Her sleep was disturbed and she was finding it increasingly difficult to carry out her work as a personal assistant.