How To Talk to Your Doctor About HRT—Tips for Finding the Right Treatment for Perimenopause

Hormone fluctuations during perimenopause and menopause trigger symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats , insomnia and vaginal dryness. So it’s not surprising that healthcare professionals commonly recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT ) to help ease symptoms. And learning how to talk to your doctor about HRT is essential for tailoring treatment to your unique needs. Here, doctors explain what you can do before and during your appointment to make sure all of your HRT questions and concerns are addressed.

How to talk to your doctor about HRT

There are many different options when it comes to HRT, which is why it’s so important for you and your doctor to figure out what will work best for you. But if you don’t already have a doctor you trust to walk you through the HRT process, where do you get started?

Navya Mysore, MD, Medical Director of Women’s Health at healthcare startup Nurx, says that if your provider can have a conversation that feels fruitful and supportive, then it’s a good sign. It’s worth taking the time to find someone who will listen to your concerns and provide the best option for you without dismissing your perimenopause or menopause symptoms.

If you haven’t taken HRT before, it’s important to “ask for clarity to understand exactly what HRT is so you can educate yourself and work with your provider to see if HRT is right for you,” says Dr. Mysore.

Bruce Dorr, MD, FPMRS, FACOG , a senior medical advisor for Biote, adds that it’s important to discuss the symptoms you’re trying to alleviate, the goals you’re trying to achieve and which stage of life you’re in, as you may need different remedies for perimenopause and menopause. The initial conversation is also a good time to review costs, risks and benefits and delivery methods of the medications, too.

Health

What Is Menopause Flooding? Doctors Share Symptoms and Ways to Prevent It

Learn about the changes you may encounter during this stage of life due to menopause flooding

Mentioning specific hormones is helpful

“If you've had side effects from taking a certain hormone or have had a medical condition related to a specific hormone, then it's really important to inform your doctor about this,” explains Daniel Atkinson, MD , clinical lead at Treated.

It’s also important to understand the difference between bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and traditional hormone replacement therapy. “Bioidentical hormones are hormones made from plants and are structured the same as hormones produced in a woman’s body,” says Dr. Dorr. Other hormones are similar, but can have different risks and complications.

What to ask your doctor about HRT—and tell her

While your doctor can provide information about HRT, it’s helpful to prepare a list of specific questions. “Coming in with a list of priorities, including the major questions you want answered, sets the agenda for your appointment,” says Dr. Mysore. That can include questions about potential health risks or side effects of HRT, which type of HRT is right for you and which format works best for your lifestyle (the hormones are available in tablets, patches, gels and more).

Health

Women Going Through Perimenopause Are More at Risk for Depression

The study has shown that women in this stage are 40 percent more likely to experience depression than premenopausal women

Also, “include a list of medications and supplements you have been taking to share with your healthcare provider,” Dr. Mysore says. This helps your doctor get a better idea of your current health concerns and any potential drug interactions.

It's a bit of “what should you be telling your doctor” as well as “what should you be asking them”, explains Dr. Atkinson. List any symptoms, when they occur, major health concerns and other treatment plans you may have tried previously.

What to know before starting HRT

It’s okay if one HRT delivery method or dosage level doesn’t alleviate your symptoms or improve your quality of life as much as you’d hope. “You don't always need to settle for the one that you're given first or assume because you've got an existing health issue that there isn't anything [else] for you,” says Dr. Atkinson.

Dr. Mysore agrees, and adds that not everyone will need HRT either. Using this treatment plan depends on your symptoms, and everyone in menopause experiences it differently. “So understand that it is a treatment option, but by no means is it a requirement,” she says.

A piece of advice from Dr. Mysore:  “Find the best option that works for you, and contact your healthcare provider for [regular] follow-ups and check-ins.”

For more on perimenopause and menopause:

Sweet Potatoes Help Tame Menopausal Hot Flashes, Mood Swings & Vaginal Dryness

Menopause Retreats: The New Approach to Self-Care In Midlife

What Is Perimenopause? MDs Share Symptoms and What To Ask Your Doctor

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan .