Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy (sometimes called hormone replacement therapy or HRT) uses prescription hormones to help restore balance when your body isn't producing enough—or is producing too much. Depending on your needs, hormone therapy may be used for menopause symptoms, low testosterone, or other endocrine-related hormone imbalances. Treatment is individualized based on symptoms, medical history, and lab testing.

Hormone therapy may help relieve symptoms tied to hormone changes, such as: Hot flashes and night sweats; Vaginal dryness or discomfort; Low libido; Fatigue, mood changes, or sleep disruption (when hormone-related); Symptoms of low testosterone in men with confirmed deficiency. The right approach depends on the cause of symptoms—so evaluation and testing matter.

You may be a good candidate if you have symptoms that affect quality of life and testing confirms a hormone-related cause. For example, many healthy people with bothersome menopause symptoms may benefit from menopause hormone therapy, especially when started closer to menopause. Testosterone therapy is generally considered only when there are symptoms and consistently low testosterone levels on lab testing. The safest option depends on your personal risk factors and goals.

Hormone therapy can come in different forms, such as pills, patches, gels, injections, or vaginal therapies. The best option depends on what hormone is being treated and your health history. For menopause therapy, some people may use estrogen alone, while others may need estrogen plus a progestogen (based on whether they have a uterus). Your provider will recommend the route and dose that fits your needs.

Often, yes. A hormone therapy visit typically includes a medical history review, symptom assessment, and targeted labs when appropriate. For example, evaluating thyroid function, metabolic health, or testosterone levels (measured properly, usually in the morning and confirmed) can help ensure treatment is appropriate and safe. Lab work also helps guide dosing and monitoring over time.

Hormone therapy can be safe and effective for many patients, but it isn't one-size-fits-all. Safety depends on factors like type of hormone, dose, route (pill vs patch, etc.), duration, timing, and your personal history. Your endocrinology provider will review risks (like blood clots or certain cancers for some patients) and monitor your response with follow-ups to keep your plan as safe and effective as possible.