Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormonal changes are personal. Your treatment should be, too.

The hormonal changes associated with perimenopause and menopause can affect far more than your menstrual cycle. They can influence sleep, temperature regulation, vaginal and sexual health, mood, bone health, and overall quality of life.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also referred to as menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), can be an important treatment option for appropriately selected women experiencing symptoms related to the menopausal transition.

At TārāMD, hormone therapy is never approached as a one-size-fits-all prescription.

We take into account your symptoms, age, stage of menopause, medical and family history, risk factors, lifestyle, personal preferences, and long-term health goals before discussing whether hormone therapy may be appropriate for you.

Hormone replacement therapy may include estrogen, progesterone, or a combination of hormones depending upon the individual patient. Different formulations and routes of administration are available, including oral medications, transdermal patches, gels, sprays, and vaginal preparations.

Hormone therapy may be considered for symptoms including hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and other menopause-related symptoms affecting quality of life. Hormone therapy can also have important effects on bone health in appropriately selected patients.

At TārāMD, we also recognize that menopause care involves much more than prescribing hormones.

Our integrative approach considers nutrition, metabolic health, exercise and strength training, sleep, stress, sexual health, vaginal and urinary health, bone health, cardiovascular health, and other factors that become increasingly important during midlife and beyond.

We also believe women deserve clear information about hormone therapy.

The question is not simply whether hormone replacement therapy is “good” or “bad.” The more meaningful question is whether a particular therapy is appropriate for a particular woman, at a particular stage of life, based on her symptoms, medical history, potential benefits and risks, and personal goals.

That is why individualized medical care matters.

For women experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, TārāMD provides comprehensive hormone and menopause care in New York City. Together, we can explore your symptoms, discuss available treatment options, and develop a personalized strategy designed to support both how you feel today and your health in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hormone Replacement Therapy

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy uses hormones such as estrogen and, when appropriate, progesterone to treat certain symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause. Today, the term menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is also commonly used.

What symptoms can hormone replacement therapy help with?

Hormone therapy can be an effective treatment for bothersome vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Depending on the type of therapy used, it may also address vaginal dryness and painful intercourse and can help prevent bone loss in appropriately selected women.

What is the difference between HRT and MHT?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) are often used to describe the same general category of hormone treatment for menopause. MHT is increasingly used because it more specifically describes hormone therapy used during the menopausal transition.

What are bioidentical hormones?

Bioidentical hormones have a chemical structure identical to hormones produced by the human body. FDA-approved bioidentical hormone formulations are available, including certain forms of estradiol and micronized progesterone. The term “bioidentical” does not necessarily mean compounded or inherently safer.

Do I need hormone testing before starting HRT?

Not every woman requires extensive hormone testing before beginning menopausal hormone therapy. Menopause and perimenopause are often diagnosed clinically based on age, menstrual history, and symptoms. Laboratory testing may be appropriate in certain circumstances, and your provider can determine what testing is relevant for you.

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

The potential benefits and risks of hormone therapy vary based on factors including age, timing relative to menopause, medical history, type of hormone, dose, and route of administration. An individualized medical evaluation is important when deciding whether HRT is appropriate.

When should I consider hormone replacement therapy?

Women experiencing bothersome symptoms associated with perimenopause or menopause may want to discuss hormone therapy with a qualified healthcare provider. The decision should take into account symptom severity, medical history, potential benefits and risks, and individual treatment goals.

Does TārāMD offer hormone replacement therapy in New York City?

Yes. TārāMD provides individualized menopause and hormone care at our Upper East Side New York City practice. Treatment recommendations are based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, risk factors, stage of life, and personal health goals.