Starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an exciting time. If you’re using it for relief from symptoms of menopause, you may be anxiously waiting for the benefits to kick in so you start feeling younger and more vital. However, HRT works differently for everyone, and the exact timeline for those benefits varies as well.

There are several factors that can influence how long it takes for HRT to start working. Although we can’t give you an exact answer on what this will look like for you, we can give you an idea of what to expect.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy is a type of treatment used to manage the symptoms that occur in a woman in her perimenopausal and menopausal phases. Menopause is a normal part of every woman’s aging process. The average woman will attain menopause at 51, but some women can experience menopause as early as 45, while others can experience it at 55 or even later. 

Menopause is like an alarm system alerting you that you have come to the end of your reproductive years. During this phase, the ovaries will stop producing eggs, causing a significant decline in levels of hormones like estrogen. 

A decline in your hormone level can cause uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal discomfort, but all of these can be managed with a treatment known as hormone replacement therapy. 

When To Opt For Hormone Replacement Therapy

When it comes to your hormones, it’s vital to consult your healthcare professional for proper guidance on this journey. However, studies have shown that women experiencing premenopausal, menopausal, and postmenopausal phases can benefit significantly from hormone replacement therapy. The ideal form of hormone replacement therapy for you will depend on your symptoms. 

To learn more about the various types of HRT and which one may work for your needs, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors today.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy 

There are two types of hormone replacement therapy, and they both function at relatively similar levels of effectiveness.

• Combined HRT: This is a combination of estrogen and progestogen and is largely for women who still have their wombs intact. 
• Oestrogen-only HRT: This mostly focuses on increasing estrogen levels, and it’s commonly used by women who have gone through a hysterectomy and have had their womb removed. 

These two types of hormone replacement therapy can be administered in various ways and are easily tailored to your preferences. The most common forms of HRT include:  

• Estrogen gels
• Implants 
• A skin patch 
• Estrogen sprays 
• Tablets 

How Long Does It Take Hormone Replacement Therapy To Work? 

The timeline for HRT benefits will depend on different factors. However, studies and research have demonstrated that people on HRT can start to witness positive changes as quickly as a few weeks in. 

Some people get to experience positive changes after only 3 weeks, while it might take up to three months for others to experience any noticeable change. 

The human body is complicated, and while some individuals might experience fast results, it takes more time for others to adjust to this. These changes can start small and develop over the years, so the impacts may be quite subtle initially. 

Signs That Your Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Working 

The main purpose of HRT is to alleviate your symptoms making you feel better about your overall well-being. 

To confirm that your hormone replacement therapy is working, look for the following signs: 

• Better concentration 
• Reduced hot flashes and night sweats 
• Overall improved mood 
• Reduced virginal discomfort 
• Increase sex drive
• Less painful sex
• Improved bone density

However, just as we have indicators that tell you when your hormone replacement therapy is working, there are also visible signs when your hormone replacement therapy is not working. Some of these signs are: 

• Continuous hot flashes 
• Excess sweat 
• Extreme insomnia 
• Extreme mood swings 

Overall, if your hormone therapy hasn’t kicked in 6 months into your journey and you’re still experiencing symptoms of low hormones, you should consult your medical professional on the next steps to take. You may need to adjust your dosage to get a better result.

Possible Side Effects From HRT 

While on hormone replacement therapy you might experience some initial side effects; in some cases, this is because your body needs little time to adjust to the use of HRT. Some of these side effects may include: 

• Constant headaches 
• A sudden shift in mood 
• Breast tenderness 
• Uterine bleeding 
• Nausea 
• Change in libido 

These side effects can occur in the early part of your hormone replacement therapy, however, once the HRT settles, these symptoms should reduce with time. If they do not go away on their own, consult your medical professional immediately and let them what is going on. 

When To Stop Hormone Replacement Therapy 

You can decide to stop hormone replacement therapy for different reasons. Some individuals might quit because of unpleasant side effects, while others might stop because there has been no improvement in their symptoms. 

However, women who have seen a change in their symptoms over the years can confidently stop their hormone replacement therapy after 2-5 years of constant use.  

When attempting to stop hormone replacement therapy, you should stop gradually so as not to experience HRT withdrawal. Your doctor can help you come up with a safe plan to taper off the medication. 

Final Thoughts 

HRT is one of the most effective ways to manage menopausal symptoms. Its main aim is to create a balance between estrogen and progesterone levels, creating relief for women suffering from menopausal symptoms. 

If you’re experiencing any type of menopausal symptoms, you should reach out to your medical professional, discuss your symptoms with them, and let them figure out the best treatment plan for you. 

Finally, remember that every woman’s response to HRT is unique and personal, and the timeline for benefits and symptom relief can vary. If you’ve recently started treatment and aren’t yet seeing the results you want, don’t panic — the best things take a little time and patience.