Hormones replacement

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should be individualized, started at an appropriate time, and monitored for benefits and potential risks.

1. Women — timing: Starting estrogen therapy near menopause may relieve symptoms and support better health outcomes; beginning many years after menopause may be less favorable. 1 2
2. Women — uterus present: Estrogen should be paired with a progestin when the uterus is present, to counter estrogen’s effects on the endometrium and reduce hyperplasia and cancer risk. 3 4
3. Estrogen’s effects: Estrogen can help with hot flashes and night sweats, vaginal atrophy or dryness, and bone loss such as osteopenia. 5
4. Men — testosterone therapy: Dosing and delivery matter: therapy can create steadier testosterone levels than the body’s normal daily pattern, and treatment should be monitored by a knowledgeable clinician. 6 7
5. Monitor across systems: Testosterone therapy may affect skin, cardiovascular health, lipids, and mental health, so these systems should be watched rather than focusing only on reproductive measures. 8