Hormone Therapy for Women

Hormone therapy can help women feel better during perimenopause and menopause. When your hormones change, you might feel tired, warm, moody, or just “not like yourself.” At Medrocs Pharmacy, we offer both commercial hormone therapy products and personalized, bioidentical compounded options. Our goal is to help your body find balance again so you can feel more like you.

Thinking About Hormone Therapy?

What is Hormone Therapy for Women?

Hormone therapy replaces or supplements hormones that naturally decline with age. Many women choose bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) because these hormones match the body’s natural structure.

Why Bioidentical Hormones?

  • Made to match the body’s natural hormones
  • Can be compounded into creams, troches, tablets, or capsules
  • Allows for flexible, personalized dosing
  • Supports symptom-based treatment

Understanding Perimenopause, Menopause & Early Ovarian Decline

Perimenopause

The transition into menopause which can last up to 10 years, often beginning in your early forties. Symptoms vary, but many women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and brain fog. Hormone therapy can help ease these symptoms.

Menopause

Menopause means you have gone 12 months without a period. Most women reach menopause around age 51.

A Helpful Tool: The Greene Scale

The Greene Scale is a simple questionnaire that helps you understand your symptoms. It can guide your treatment plan and help track your progress. Take the Greene Scale Questionnaire.

Symptoms Hormone Therapy Can Improve

Low Estrogen

  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Dry skin and hair
  • Urinary changes

Low Progesterone

  • Mood changes
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Irregular periods

Low Testosterone

  • Low Libido
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty reaching climax
  • Less muscle tone

Estrogen Therapy Options

Estrogen is the hormone that supports women’s reproductive health, bone strength, heart and brain health.

Transdermal Estradiol (Preferred)

These options include patches and creams. 
  • Absorbs through the skin
  • Preferred for women with migraines or risk of heart disease

Common Patch Doses

  • 0.025mg/day (low)
  • 0.0375-0.05mg/day (standard)
  • 0.075-00.1mg/day (higher)

 

Oral Estradiol

Oral estradiol comes in a tablet and is taken once daily. 

  • 0.5mg/day (low)
  • 1mg/day (standard)
  • 2mg/day(higher)


Local Vaginal Estrogen

Local estrogen helps with vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms without being absorbed into your bloodstream.

  • Estradiol 10mcg tablet
  • Estradiol 0.01% cream
  • Estradiol ring (7.5mcg/day)
  • Conjugated estrogen cream

Important Safety Note

If you still have a uterus and you are using systemic estrogen (oral or transdermal), you must take progesterone to protect the lining of your uterus.

You do NOT need progesterone with vaginal estrogen.

Progesterone Therapy

Progesterone helps balance estrogen. It can also support sleep and mood.

Recommended Dosing

These are the two most common ways to take progesterone. With either method, progesterone can cause drowsiness so it’s best taken before bed. 
  • Continuous Dosing: 100-200 mg capsule every evening
  • Cyclical Dosing: 100-200 mg capsule in the evening for 12 days of the month

Side Effects

Side effects of progesterone therapy include:

  • Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up
  • Cough (capsules)

Testosterone Therapy for Women

Women naturally produce testosterone (yes, another hormone), which supports libido, energy, muscle tone, and brain function.

When Testosterone May Help

  • Low libido
  • Difficulty reaching climax
  • Fatigue
  • Mood changes

Dosing & Monitoring

  • Recommended starting dose should be 1/10th of male FDA doses (5-10mg topically daily)
  • Check baseline testosterone
  • Recheck at 3-6 weeks, then every 4-6 months
  • Max effect should be seen by 12 weeks

Side Effects

Side effects of topical testosterone include:

  • Higher blood pressure
  • Skin irritaition
  • Mild acne (<10%)

Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women

  • Better sleep
  • Improved mood
  • More energy
  • Fewer hot flashes
  • Better sexual wellness
  • Stronger bones
  • Long-term heart health

Bio-identical Hormone Therapy

Bioidentical Hormones Compounded at Medrocs Pharmacy

Medrocs compounds a wide range of  bioidentical hormones that match the body’s natural structure.

Topical Creams

These HRT creams are applied to thin, high‑perfusion skin (wrists, behind knees, inner thigh)

Troches & SL Tablets

Dissolve in the mouth for improved absorption

Capsules & Suppositories

Oral, vaginal, or rectal use

Frequently Asked Questions

What hormone levels should I get tested before starting therapy?

Most women over 45 do not need hormone testing. Your symptoms usually tell us more than lab numbers. Testing may help if you are under 40 or have irregular cycles.

How long does it take to notice a difference with hormone therapy?

Most women feel improvement in 4–8 weeks. Full benefits may take up to 12 weeks.

Do I need hormone testing to adjust my dose?

Most women do not. NAMS (3) states that blood, saliva, and urine hormone tests are not reliable for adjusting menopausal hormone therapy. Your symptoms and side effects guide dosing more accurately than lab numbers.

Is hormone therapy safe?

For healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, hormone therapy is considered safe and effective.

What are the benefits of hormone therapy?

Many women experience better sleep, better mood, fewer hot flashes, more energy, and better sexual wellness. Estrogen also supports bone health and may help protect long‑term heart health when started early enough.

Whare the possible side effects?

Side effects vary by hormone and dose. Some women may experience breast tenderness, bloating, headaches, mood changes, or light spotting. These usually improve as your body adjusts.

Do I need progesterone if I’m taking estrogen?

Only if you still have a uterus and you are using systemic estrogen (oral or transdermal). You do not need progesterone with vaginal estrogen.

Can I take progesterone if I don't have a uterus?

You can. Some women take it for sleep or mood support.

I am 60 and hormone therapy isn’t recommended. What are my options?

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Ready to Get Started?

How to Get Started

  • Talk with your provider
  • Request a virtual consult
  • Ask for a local practitioner referral

We’re here to support your hormone health with warmth, clarity, and expertise.

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