Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to relieve symptoms of menopause by supplementing the body with estrogen and, in some cases, progesterone. As hormone levels decline during menopause, many women experience hot flashes, sleep disturbances, mood changes, and other discomforts. HRT helps restore hormonal balance, supporting overall well-being and quality of life.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause, often beginning in a woman’s 40s, though it can start earlier. During this time, hormone levels—especially estrogen and progesterone—fluctuate unpredictably, leading to symptoms such as irregular periods, mood swings, sleep disruptions, brain fog, anxiety, hot flashes, and more. These changes can last for several years before periods fully stop and menopause is reached.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) uses hormones that are chemically identical to those naturally produced by the human body, typically derived from plant sources like yams or soy. BHRT is often used to ease symptoms of perimenopause and menopause—such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and low libido—by restoring hormonal balance. It can include estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone, and may be delivered via creams, gels, patches, pills, or pellets. While some versions are FDA-approved, others are compounded by pharmacies and customized per individual. It’s essential to work with a knowledgeable healthcare provider to ensure safe, effective, and personalized treatment.

Estrogen therapy is a form of hormone replacement that focuses on replenishing estrogen levels to relieve menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes. It’s especially effective for women who have had a hysterectomy and can be delivered through pills, patches, creams, or gels under medical supervision.