Hormone Replacement Therapy Symptom Control

HRT involves both potential benefits and risks, and decisions about whether to pursue it should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider.

For both men and women, HRT is often used to help manage symptoms related to hormonal changes. In women, HRT has historically been explored for its possible impact on health conditions like bone loss, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline. However, more recent studies suggest that the potential risks—such as increased likelihood of blood clots and certain types of cancer—must be carefully weighed. For this reason, medical guidelines typically do not recommend HRT for disease prevention alone.

That said, symptom support with HRT is well-documented in some groups—particularly for women between the ages of 50 and 59 experiencing menopause-related symptoms. These may include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.¹

For men, HRT—typically testosterone replacement—is generally considered when both symptoms and lab results indicate low testosterone, and after other possible causes are ruled out. Common symptoms that may be associated with low testosterone include fatigue, changes in mood, and sexual dysfunction. As with estrogen therapies, testosterone is usually well-tolerated when prescribed appropriately, though it may be associated with side effects such as increased blood pressure or changes in prostate health.²

Ultimately, your healthcare provider is the best resource to evaluate your individual risk–benefit profile. If you’re considering HRT, we encourage you to talk to your provider about whether it may be appropriate for your situation.

If HRT is part of your care plan, our compounding lab offers a variety of personalized delivery options to meet your provider’s specifications—which we’ll discuss in next week’s post.

As always, we're available in the lab Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or you can email me anytime at brandon.ladage@belewdrugs.com.

Until next time,

Brandon

References: UpToDate: Menopausal Hormone Therapy – Benefits & Risks¹ Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guidelines (2018): Testosterone Therapy for Hypogonadism²

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COMPOUNDING

*Compounded medications are prepared by prescription to meet the individual needs of patients and are not evaluated or approved by the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about treatment or medications.