Menopause is a natural stage of life, but the hormonal shifts that come with it can feel overwhelming. Hot flashes, brain fog, restless nights, weight changes, and mood swings are common — but they don’t have to define this chapter of life. One option that many women explore is hormone therapy, often referred to as HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy), MHT (Menopause Hormone Therapy), or ERT (Estrogen Replacement Therapy).
This guide breaks down the basics so you can better understand what’s available and how to discuss your options with your doctor.
What Is Hormone Therapy?
Despite the name, hormone therapy doesn’t “replace” hormones in your body. Instead, it supplements what your body no longer produces in sufficient amounts. Think of it like filling a nutritional gap with vitamins — except here, the goal is to ease symptoms and support overall well-being.
Types of Hormone Therapy
There are two main categories:
Traditional Hormone Therapy
- Sourced from animals, such as pregnant mare’s urine.
- FDA-regulated and standardized.
- Widely prescribed and effective for many women.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
- Plant-derived, often from yams.
- The molecular structure is similar to human hormones, which is why they’re called “bioidentical.”
- Also FDA-regulated and prescribed by doctors.
👉 Important: both are lab-made (synthetic). The difference lies in the source and molecular structure, not whether one is “natural” and the other is not.
Traditional vs. Bioidentical: Which Is Right for You?
There’s no universal answer. Some women respond better to bioidentical therapies, while others see better results with traditional methods. If one option doesn’t feel right, don’t write off hormone therapy altogether — there are multiple forms and formulations of both estrogen and progesterone to explore.
Compounded Hormone Therapies
Another option is compounded bioidentical hormone therapy, available through compounding pharmacies. These are not FDA-regulated, which means dosing can vary from batch to batch. While some women do use them, consistency and quality control are common concerns. Always weigh the risks with your healthcare provider.
Delivery Methods
Hormone therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are several ways it can be delivered, including:
- Creams
- Patches
- Injections
- Vaginal inserts
- Pellets
Lifestyle matters when choosing. For example, patches may not be ideal if you sweat heavily, while creams might fit better into a daily routine.
Where to Learn More
Before your doctor’s appointment, check out the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) website. It’s a reliable resource with evidence-based information on all types of hormone therapies. Going in informed can help you ask better questions and make more confident decisions.
Recommended Reading
Here are three excellent books that provide deeper insights:
- The New Menopause – Explains different types of hormone therapies.
- Estrogen Matters – Covers research, benefits, and risks in detail.
- Next Level – Focuses on the anatomy of menopause and what’s happening in your body.
Taking Control of Menopause
Lifestyle and nutrition are powerful tools for managing menopause symptoms — but for many women, hormone therapy can be an important complement. It can reduce the intensity and frequency of symptoms, making it easier to feel good and stay consistent with healthy habits.
Menopause is not the end of vitality — it can be a strong, vibrant new chapter when you understand your options and choose the path that works best for you.
