For many women, menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. During this transition, the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. Men also experience a gradual decline in testosterone with age, and this can begin in their 30s. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one approach healthcare providers may discuss when hormone levels shift.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a prescription treatment that supplements hormones the body no longer produces in sufficient amounts. A healthcare provider decides whether HRT is appropriate, and they can determine which hormones, doses, and delivery methods suit each person’s needs. HRT generally falls into a few main categories, including:
- Estrogen-only therapy: This form can be prescribed for individuals who have had a hysterectomy.
- Combined Estrogen and Progestogen Therapy: Providers may prescribe this combination for individuals who still have a uterus.
- Testosterone-based Therapy: This form is typically prescribed for men with clinically low testosterone levels.
Bioidentical hormones have a chemical structure identical to the hormones the human body produces. A healthcare provider can explain the differences between the options available.
What Does It Address?
Healthcare providers may discuss HRT for a range of conditions, and it is used to address several symptoms linked to changes in hormone levels. The most common is the menopausal transition, which includes perimenopause, the stage leading up to menopause. Symptoms associated with this transition can include:
- Night sweats and hot flashes
- Sleep disturbances
- Dryness or discomfort affecting the vagina
- Changes in mood or concentration
- Menstrual cycles that are irregular during perimenopause
Declining estrogen levels are associated with changes in bone density, so providers may also review hormone therapy in connection with bone health. For men, providers can evaluate HRT when blood tests confirm low testosterone, a condition known as hypogonadism. Symptoms associated with low testosterone may include reduced energy, decreased libido, changes in muscle mass, and shifts in mood.
What Should You Expect?
The HRT process typically begins with a comprehensive evaluation. A healthcare provider can review your medical history, family history, current medications, and symptoms. A physical examination and blood tests may follow to measure hormone levels, and this helps a physician assess your overall health. If you decide to move forward with hormone replacement, the provider creates a treatment plan.
Some individuals notice changes within a few weeks, and others need several months. Side effects can occur as the body adapts. Patients are encouraged to report any side effects to their provider, who may modify the treatment plan.
Follow-up appointments are a standard part of HRT. Providers can schedule an initial follow-up after treatment begins and then regular check-ins afterward; these visits may include repeat blood work and routine health screenings. The length of treatment varies from person to person. When stopping HRT, providers often recommend a gradual reduction in dose.
Consult a Medical Professional
HRT is not appropriate for everyone. Factors such as age and the amount of time since menopause began may influence a provider’s recommendations. For individuals who are not candidates for HRT, providers can discuss other treatment options. A healthcare provider will assess your individual needs, and they may explain whether hormone replacement therapy or another option suits your health goals.
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