• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Menopause

How to Talk to Your Doctor About HRT

Published: August 14, 2025
Updated: August 14, 2025
5 mins

Menopause can cause a whirlwind of mood swings, stress, and physical changes in your body. Every day can feel unpredictable, from sudden hot flashes to occasional forgetfulness and fatigue. Women’s health concerns like menopause often go undertreated and leave women feeling unheard and unsupported when finding help with managing life during menopause.

However, new research has shown that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the most effective treatments for menopause. Still, your primary healthcare provider may be hesitant to bring it up as a treatment option. 

Outdated research has previously cited health concerns about HRT for menopause. Today, new findings have concluded that the benefits outweigh the risks for women under the age of 60.

While a healthcare provider may not initially recommend the treatment, speaking with them about HRT can help you learn more about whether it would be effective for you. The sooner you address low estrogen levels due to menopause, the more likely a woman is to see improvements in quality of life during menopause.

How Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Work?

When a person goes through menopause, they naturally lose estrogen as the ovaries shrink. The loss of estrogen can dramatically shift health outcomes. Menopausal women have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis (bone disease), cardiovascular issues, and neurological complications. 

The HRT process involves replacing any estrogen and progesterone lost during menopause. Estrogen-only therapy is the most popular form of HRT used today. A healthcare provider can prescribe one of the following types of hormone replacement therapy:

Systemic estrogen replacement therapy: Estrogen is released into the bloodstream through injections, pills, skin patches, gels, and sprays.

Local estrogen therapy: Estrogen is distributed as a vaginal ring, tablet, or cream. Small doses of estrogen are released into the vaginal tissue.

Estrogen and progesterone replacement therapy: This form of HRT is available as a pill, tablet, and gel. It releases estrogen directly into the bloodstream.

Depending on your health needs, a healthcare provider may recommend taking HRT daily or for a limited period of time. As you take HRT, a healthcare provider will periodically monitor your menopause symptoms to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. Don’t be afraid to speak openly with them about any concerns you have while going through treatment.

What Does the Research Say About HRT?

The original study utilized estrogen and synthetic progesterone in the HRT trials. However, study groups were extremely small. In the original study, most participants had a history of heart disease as well. While some original study participants using estrogen and synthetic progesterone saw incidents of breast cancer, the other group utilizing estrogen-only therapy had positive health outcomes.

Current studies also observe a larger study group for more efficient results. In the older study, participants were also significantly older than 52 (the average age of women in menopause). Study participants in newer research are more closely aligned with the average age of menopausal women.

What are the Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

A healthcare provider may hesitate to prescribe HRT if you have a history of blood clots or breast cancer. Still, health experts have found that combined hormone therapy has an extremely small risk of causing stroke and blood clots in those with menopause. 

However, modern forms of HRT using transdermal estrogen and bioidentical progesterone may reduce the risk of breast cancer. Transdermal HRT (distributing HRT through the skin) may work better for those with a history of blood clots as well. Bioidentical hormones are plant-based and operate similarly to hormones produced naturally in the body.

As with any treatment, there is a risk of experiencing certain side effects. Some women may experience the following side effects with HRT:

• Breast soreness

• Vaginal spotting

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Vomiting

Women over the age of 60 are more likely to see potential risk factors associated with HRT. Some side effects, like spotting, may occur at the beginning of treatment and taper off as you continue. If symptoms persist, a healthcare provider may make changes to your treatment plan.

Potential Reasons a Healthcare Provider May Not Prescribe Hormone Replacement Therapy

A healthcare provider may not prescribe HRT if you have preexisting conditions that may worsen with hormonal treatment. If you have a family history of gallbladder disease, liver disease, or deep vein thrombosis, a healthcare provider may recommend alternate forms of treatment. 

Health Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

The sooner you start HRT, the more likely you are to experience the benefits of hormonal balance. Women who start HRT earlier, before menopause officially starts, are more likely to see improvement in hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems associated with menopause.

Other health benefits of HRT include the following:

• May help with weight loss

• Protects your heart health

• Reduces the risk of osteoporosis

• May help with infertility

• Improves mood swings

Tips for Discussing HRT with a Healthcare Provider

It’s important to get into the habit of advocating for yourself in the healthcare space to receive the best treatment possible. Not every healthcare provider is the same, so confidence and patience are key. In some cases, you may have to have a couple of conversations with your healthcare provider before they’re comfortable prescribing HRT. However, it’s important to be polite but stern about why you believe you need HRT.

When speaking with a healthcare provider, it’s important to be honest about the severity of your symptoms. This can help give them a better idea of why you’re requesting HRT and the difference it can make in your day-to-day life. They may then ask additional questions.

When discussing HRT with your healthcare provider, some health professionals may still only be aware of outdated research about the treatment. If this happens, consider consulting with a different healthcare provider for a second opinion.

How Can LifeMD Help Restore Hormonal Balance?

It’s normal for estrogen levels to change at various points in your life. However, LifeMD can help you get ahead of menopause before it worsens. With LifeMD, a licensed healthcare professional can help you understand more about your hormonal health and how to treat menopausal symptoms early.

The LifeMD Women’s Health Program offers compassionate, personalized care tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re entering menopause or managing other common women’s health concerns, a healthcare provider will work with you to create a treatment plan that’s right for you.

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