*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

Who Can And Cannot Take Or Use Sequential Combined Hormone Replacement Therapy Hrt

Who can take sequential combined HRT

If you're still having periods (perimenopausal) or had your last period less than 1 year ago you can usually take sequential combined HRT.

Sequential combined HRT is not suitable if you've had a hysterectomy to remove your womb.

Sequential combined HRT is not suitable for everyone. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor before taking it if you:

have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine containing oestrogen or progestogen, or anything contained in the patches or tablets
have ever had breast cancer, are having tests for breast cancer, or are at high risk due to family history
have a type of cancer that is sensitive to oestrogens, such as cancer of the womb lining (endometrium), if you're having tests for this, or if you're at high risk of getting it
have vaginal bleeding with no known cause
have ever had a blood clot in a vein (thrombosis), such as in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
have problems with your blood which may cause a blood clot
have a rare inherited condition called porphyria
have or have recently had a problem caused by blood clots blocking the arteries, such as a heart attack, stroke or angina
have thickening of the lining of the womb (endometrial hyperplasia) that has not been treated, or fibroids or endometriosis
have ever had a problem with your liver
have high blood pressure
have diabetes
have an underactive thyroid
have ever had migraines or severe headaches
have lupus
have epilepsy
have asthma
are living with obesity
have dementia

If you get any of these conditions after you start taking sequential combined HRT, stop taking it and speak to your doctor.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.