Our bodies rely on hormones to function properly, but maintaining balance can be challenging. When hormonal levels shift, you may experience symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, low energy, or weight gain. These can affect anyone, especially those during menopause or andropause.
HRT therapy helps restore balance, whether you’re a man, a woman, or a transgender individual. This guide walks you through the symptoms, available medications, how HRT works, and the benefits you can expect. You’ll also discover how MarSha MedSpa supports healthier hormonal levels by offering expert-level guidance and treatment.
What is HRT?
HRT is an FDA-approved treatment that helps people manage symptoms associated with menopause or andropause. There’s a slight distinction: for individuals over 50, it is often called hormonal therapy. For younger individuals or those under 40, it’s usually called hormone replacement therapy.
The treatment is available in multiple forms:
- Sprays
- Gel
- Cream
- Patch
- Ring
- Implants
The most suitable method depends on your symptoms and hormonal imbalance. Based on the concerns, here’s a list of common hormone replacement therapy drugs:
- For Women: Estradiol, Progesterone, Conjugated estrogens
- For Men: Testosterone (injectable, topical, or gel forms)
- Bioidentical Options: Hormones that closely mimic the body’s natural hormones
Who Needs Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormonal imbalances can affect anyone, regardless of age or medical condition. You might wonder, “How do I know if I need hormone replacement therapy?” Common signs include low energy, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and weight changes. However, the need for HRT varies depending on whether the patient is a man, woman, or transgender individual.
- For Men: Men experiencing andropause symptoms, such as fatigue, mood changes, muscle loss, or low energy, may benefit from testosterone replacement therapy.
- For Women: Women, especially after menopause, often require estrogen therapy when experiencing hot flashes, mood swings, vaginal dryness, or night sweats. At this point, HRT helps restore estrogen and progesterone levels for balanced hormonal regulation.
- For Transgender Individuals: HRT therapy may include either estrogen or testosterone, depending on their gender-affirming goals and physical traits.
How HRT Therapy Works?
Before starting HRT, a medical professional will ask questions to plan therapy based on your specific concerns. After this, the actual treatment begins. You can choose between systemic hormone therapy or local hormone therapy, depending on your needs and comfort.
Both are hormonal treatments, but with a slight difference. Systemic therapy delivers hormones through the bloodstream, affecting the whole body. At the same time, local therapy targets a specific area directly. But why do you need HRT therapy?
As you age, your body lowers the production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This decrease can trigger symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, hot flashes, or low energy. Your medical provider will determine the type and dosage of hormone therapy based on your hormonal balance and overall health.
Throughout treatment, your provider will regularly monitor your health and hormone levels. Ultimately, you’ll start seeing results within a few weeks of treatment.
Side Effects/Risks
While HRT (hormone replacement therapy) supports hormonal health and helps relieve symptoms, it can come with some side effects. The most common include:
- Mood Swings
- Irregular Vaginal Bleeding
- Headaches
- Breast Pain
- Nausea
- Digestive Issues
- Skin Irritation
If you face any of these issues after having natural HRT therapy, contact your doctor as soon as possible to address concerns.
Benefits of HRT Therapy
People choose HRT therapy to restore hormonal balance and improve overall quality of life. It can help treat:
- Estrogen and progesterone deficiencies
- Testosterone deficiency
- Vaginal dryness
- Low energy and mood swings
- Higher risk of osteoporosis, colon cancer, and diabetes
By addressing these issues, HRT therapy supports better physical and mental health, helping individuals feel more balanced and energized.
Why Professional HRT Guidance Matters?
Hormonal regulation is complex, and self-managing it can be risky. A specialized medical professional is essential for analyzing your condition and creating a personalized HRT therapy plan. Regular checkups during treatment ensure proper dosage, effectiveness, and overall safety.
Without professional guidance, HRT can lead to severe side effects, including blood clots, heart problems, or excessive hormonal imbalance. Experts, like those at MarSha MedSpa, carefully monitor estrogen and progesterone levels, select the appropriate therapy type and medications, and provide step-by-step guidance. Their science-based approach ensures safe, effective, and lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hormone therapy the same as hormone replacement therapy?
No. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is specifically used to ease symptoms related to menopause or andropause. Hormone therapy, however, is a broader term that refers to any treatment involving hormones, including gender-affirming care or managing certain medical conditions.
How often do you take hormone replacement therapy?
It depends on the type of HRT you’re prescribed—some are daily (like pills, gels, or creams), while others last weeks or months (like patches, injections, or implants). Most people notice improvements within a few weeks, with full results appearing over the following months.
Who shouldn’t take hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
HRT is not recommended for individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, stroke, or heart attack. People with liver disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure should also consult a professional before starting therapy.
Is Hormone Therapy Safe?
Yes, for most people. Research shows that women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause typically gain more benefits than risks from HRT. However, safety depends on your personal health history, which is why a professional evaluation is crucial.
How much does HRT therapy cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of treatment, dosage, medications used, and the duration of therapy. A consultation is the best way to get an accurate estimate.
Why is HRT not recommended after 60?
Because the risk of complications, such as blood clots, stroke, or heart issues, can increase with age. People over 60 often have more underlying health conditions, which can make HRT less safe unless carefully monitored.
