Starting hormone replacement therapy can feel like a big step, especially if you’ve been dealing with symptoms of a hormonal imbalance for a while.
At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we specialise in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), providing personalised treatments designed to alleviate symptoms, restore balance to your body, and improve your quality of life.
One of the most common questions we receive from our patients is – ‘How long does it take for hormone replacement therapy to work?’
Individuals who have put up with symptoms for a long time want to understand exactly how long it will take for them to start seeing results. While it does vary from person to person, in this blog we will provide an overview of what to expect.
So how long does hormone replacement therapy take to work? Let’s find out…
What to Expect When You First Start BHRT
Starting BHRT is the first step towards regaining control of your hormones. The time it takes to notice improvements depends on factors like your specific hormonal imbalance, symptom severity, and the underlying causes of your imbalance.
Many patients begin to notice positive changes within just a few weeks of starting BHRT. During this time, your body starts to adjust to the new hormone levels. Initial benefits can include improved mood, better sleep, and a reduction in symptoms like hot flashes or night sweats, especially if you’re going through menopause.
However, these early changes can be subtle, and not everyone will experience fast relief. Your body needs time to adapt, and for some, the effects may be more gradual.
Typically, it takes around eight weeks to start feeling the full effects of BHRT. This is the average timeline for most hormone imbalances, whether you’re a woman experiencing menopause, a man on testosterone replacement therapy, or someone seeking treatment for any other type of hormone issue.
By this time, your hormone levels should stabilise, leading to consistent relief from your symptoms. Many of our patients report significant improvements in energy levels, cognitive function, and overall well-being during this period.
We treat hormonal imbalances in both men and women. Here are some of the most common imbalances we treat:
- Perimenopause
- Menopause
- Pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Depression
- Endometriosis
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Andropause
Monitoring and Adjusting Your Treatment
Regular monitoring is crucial throughout your BHRT journey. After three to six months, we will do a comprehensive review of your symptoms and hormone levels to ensure that your treatment is working effectively.
This review allows us to make any necessary adjustments to your dosage or hormone combinations, ensuring that you continue to experience optimal results.
After this initial review, we suggest ongoing check-ups every six to twelve months. These consultations help us stay on top of any changes in your symptoms and make any necessary tweaks to your treatment plan.
Want to find out more about our process? Here’s what to expect as a patient at our hormone clinic.
How Long Do You Have to Take BHRT?
This is another common question. How long you’ll need BHRT depends on your individual needs.
Some patients may only need treatment for a few years, particularly if they’re using it to manage menopause symptoms. Others may require long-term therapy, especially if they have chronic hormonal imbalances.
The decision to continue or adjust treatment will be made in consultation with your doctor, based on your ongoing symptoms and overall health.
“Each patient’s experience with BHRT is unique, and while many start noticing changes within the first few weeks, it’s important to understand that the journey to hormonal balance is highly individual. Our goal is to tailor every treatment plan to meet the specific needs of each of our patients so they can regain control of their hormone health in the most effective way possible.”
Potential Side Effects
Like any medical treatment, BHRT can have side effects, though they are generally mild and less common than with synthetic hormone replacement therapies. This is because we use bioidentical hormones, which are chemically identical to those produced by your body.
However, some patients may experience side effects as their bodies adjust to the treatment. These side effects typically subside as your hormone levels stabilise.
At the Marion Gluck Clinic, we’re committed to ensuring that your treatment is not only effective but also as comfortable as possible. If side effects do occur, our personalied formulations allow us to adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Taking the First Steps
If you’re considering BHRT, the first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced hormone doctors.
During this initial appointment, we’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, along with any questions you have about the treatment.
Then we can create a personalised treatment plan to alleviate your symptoms, restore your hormonal health, and get you back to feeling like yourself again.
So if you want to find relief from your hormonal issues, then book a consultation now.
With our personalised right treatment plans, you can look forward to balanced hormones and a healthier, happier you.
