Common Questions About Hormone Replacement Therapy: Your FAQs Answered!

Nicolette Eberline • October 5, 2024

Common Questions About Hormone Replacement Therapy

Are you feeling like a stranger in your own body? If you're experiencing the ups and downs of hormonal imbalances, you might have questions about hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You're not alone! I remember when I first started experiencing these challenges—it can be overwhelming! More and more people are turning to bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) as a solution. Let’s dive into some of the most common questions about hormone replacement therapy and clear up any confusion!


What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone Replacement Therapy is designed to restore hormonal balance in your body. It can help alleviate symptoms related to hormonal fluctuations, such as mood swings, fatigue, and those pesky night sweats. Whether you're looking for relief from menopause symptoms or seeking to optimize your hormone levels, HRT may just be the answer you’ve been searching for!


How Do I Know If I Need HRT?

Wondering if HRT is right for you? Look out for symptoms like:

  • Persistent fatigue
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Changes in libido
  • Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
  • Unexplained weight gain or loss

If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to chat with me about getting your hormone levels checked!


What Types of Hormones Are Used in HRT?

HRT can involve a variety of hormones, including:

  • Estrogen: Often prescribed for women experiencing menopause to relieve symptoms and support bone health.
  • Testosterone: Used for both men and women, it can help improve mood, energy levels, and muscle mass.
  • Progesterone: Typically combined with estrogen in women to protect the uterine lining and maintain hormonal balance.


Bio-Identical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones

When it comes to hormone therapy, you may have heard terms like "bio-identical hormones" and "synthetic hormones." Here’s the scoop:

  • Bio-Identical Hormones: These hormones are chemically identical to the ones naturally produced by your body. They’re derived from natural sources, such as yams and soy. Because they match your body’s hormones, they provide a more compatible and effective solution that many of my patients love!
  • Synthetic Hormones: These are artificially created hormones that may not match your body’s natural hormones. They can sometimes come with different side effects and may not provide the same level of symptom relief as bio-identical hormones. I’ve seen patients thrive on bio-identical options, leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects.


Why Optimal Hormone Levels Matter

Achieving optimal hormone levels is crucial for your overall health and well-being. Many of my patients feel their best when their hormone levels are optimized rather than merely within a standard range. Optimal levels can help you:

  • Experience enhanced energy and vitality
  • Maintain a healthy weight and body composition
  • Support cognitive function and emotional stability
  • Improve your quality of life in a way that standard hormone levels may not achieve


Common Questions About HRT

  • Is it safe?
    Yes! For most individuals, HRT is safe when monitored correctly. I make sure to have regular check-ins with my patients to ensure that their hormone levels remain balanced and effective.
  • Do I have to do it for the rest of my life?
    Not necessarily! Many patients choose to continue hormone therapy as long as they feel it benefits them, but others may decide to stop based on personal health goals or lifestyle changes. It’s all about what works best for you! In fact, I've got patients who safely manage their treatment well into their 80s!
  • What happens if I want to come off of it?
    If you decide to discontinue hormone therapy, it’s important to do so with my guidance. I can help manage any potential withdrawal symptoms and determine the best plan for you moving forward.
  • Does HRT cause cancer?
    This is a common concern and misconception, and it’s essential to have an informed discussion about it. The W.H.I. study from 2002 where the primary misconception came from has been overturned after 20 years! Finally! While there are risks associated with hormone therapy, particularly concerning hormone-sensitive cancers, studies show that bio-identical hormones can be a safer option for many. Stay tuned for our upcoming blog post where I’ll dive deeper into the relationship between hormones and breast cancer and debunk some myths!


Are There Different Methods of HRT?

Absolutely! And I have tried them all. Every patient has a difference preference. Hormone replacement therapy can be administered in several ways, including:

  • Pellets: Small, rice-sized capsules inserted under the skin for steady hormone release. Pellets are my personal preference for my own hormone replacement because they are the least high maintenance route and provide consistent results. Dosed every 4 months for women and 5 months for men. Hormones included in pellet format are testosterone and estrogen.
  • Pills: Oral medications that provide a convenient option for hormone delivery. There is no bioidentical oral testosterone route at this time. Dosed daily. Hormones included in pill format are estrogen and progesterone.
  • Injections: Hormones delivered through a shot for quick effects. Should be dosed 1-2x weekly. Hormones included in injection format are testosterone.
  • Creams and Gels: Topical options for those who prefer to apply hormones directly to the skin. Should be dosed 1-2x a day. Hormones included in cream/gels format are testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.


I can help you choose the method that fits your lifestyle and health goals! There's no one option fits all.


What Are the Benefits of HRT?

The benefits of hormone replacement therapy can be life-changing. Many patients report:

  • Improved Mood: Feel more like yourself again!
  • Better Sleep: Say goodbye to sleepless nights and hello to restful sleep!
  • Increased Energy: Get back to doing the things you love without feeling drained.
  • Enhanced Libido: Rediscover intimacy and enjoy a fulfilling sex life.
  • Improved Cognitive Function: Enjoy sharper focus and better memory.


For me personally, night sweats and hot flashes, more energy, improved mood, improved productivity, and gym gains. I have teachers that say they no longer have that last class of the day afternoon crash. High adrenaline service jobs (military, police, firefighting) that say they sleep better, more energy, gym gains. The top three benefits my patients typically report is increased energy, increased libido, and increased physical response to exercise.


Are There Risks or Side Effects?

As with any treatment, it’s essential to discuss potential risks and side effects with me. Some common side effects may include:

  • Bruising or soreness at the injection site
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Possible increased risk of certain health conditions (which we can discuss further)


The top two side effects that my patients have reported:

  • For women, increased facial hair growth may be a factor if you are prone to already having facial hair. Nothing a good esthetician can't fix with derma-planing or waxing!
  • For men, if they had acne as a teenager, they may likely get some acne again when first starting the hormone therapy. It tends to decrease as the body's levels stabilize.


Every individual's experience with hormone therapy can vary significantly, so it's crucial to have open and honest discussions with me to tailor a treatment plan just for you!


Hormone replacement therapy can be a fantastic option for those experiencing hormonal imbalances, helping to restore balance and improve quality of life. If you have more questions or are considering HRT, don’t hesitate to reach out to me for personalized guidance and support!


Ready to regain your vitality? Contact me today to schedule your consultation and discover how hormone replacement therapy can help you feel like yourself again!


If you have an FAQs for the next round, please email them to me so I can answer them for everyone!


Warm regards,


Doc Nico
Your Wellness & Hormones Specialist

See what's happening on our social media!