What to Expect in the Early Stages of Hormone Therapy

If you’ve just begun bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) or are considering starting it , it’s natural to wonder what changes to expect and when they’ll occur. 

Our board-certified team at Owl & Eagle Health and Wellness answers your questions and explains the typical BHRT timeline.

Why choose bioidentical HRT?

Hormones regulate just about all of your bodily functions, from metabolism to mood, so when they’re out of whack, so are you. 

For women who are going through menopause, the decrease in estrogen and progesterone can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. 

Aging men who are experiencing low testosterone levels may face fatigue, depression, and reduced muscle mass. 

BHRT rebalances your hormones, but unlike synthetic hormones, bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to those your body naturally produces. They’re also plant-based and aren’t derived from pregnant horse urine, as is the case with traditional HRT.

We tailor your BHRT to match your body’s unique needs. You can expect to regain energy, have more even moods, and ditch hot flashes and night sweats, but the process takes time and patience.

The early stages of hormone therapy

During the initial weeks, your body adjusts to the influx of hormones, which may lead to noticeable changes.

In the first few days to weeks, you may experience side effects as your body adapts to the new hormone levels. Women might have mild headaches, mood swings, or breast tenderness. These symptoms are usually temporary and subside as your body acclimates.

Keep us posted on your symptoms so we can adjust your treatment as needed. It also helps to keep a journal of any changes you notice so you can track your progress.

Be patient. Your body needs time to adjust, and rushing the process can stress you out unnecessarily. 

Initial physical changes

For some menopausal women, BHRT can reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats right away. 

Men who are undergoing testosterone therapy might see subtle changes in their energy levels and physical stamina. This newfound increase in energy can make you more productive and active.

These physical improvements are signs that your body is responding to the therapy. However, changes in physical appearance, such as muscle mass in men or skin elasticity in women, may take longer to appear. 

If you want to boost the effects of BHRT, eat a healthy diet, sleep well, and exercise regularly. 

Initial emotional changes

In addition to physical improvements, BHRT can give your emotional well-being a pick-me-up. Many women notice relief from mood swings and irritability as estrogen levels stabilize. 

Because low testosterone can lead to fatigue and depression, BHRT can make men feel more engaged, alert, and happy. This emotional boost can have a ripple effect, improving your relationships and social interactions.

Although these shifts are primarily positive, let us know if you notice drastic changes. While mood improvements are expected, you may experience heightened emotions as your body adjusts.

Tracking progress

Regular follow-ups with our team ensure that your treatment plan is working and on track.  

We may perform periodic blood tests to monitor hormone levels and gain insights into how your body is responding to therapy. 

You can help, too. Keeping a personal journal and noting physical and emotional changes gives you a tangible way to see your progress over time.

While hormone therapy can offer significant relief from some symptoms, we always encourage our patients to manage expectations. Everyone responds differently, and age, overall health, and lifestyle all influence the speed and effectiveness of your treatment.

BHRT is a gradual process, and complete symptom resolution may take months. 

Long-term benefits

Although you’ll be relieved to kick those annoying symptoms to the curb, BHRT has some pretty impressive long-term health benefits, too. 

For women, balanced hormones support bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis as they age.

Men may enjoy better cardiovascular health and muscle strength, which can make them more active and healthy.

As hormone levels stabilize, both men and women might notice enhanced cognitive function and sharper focus, which can lead to better performance in work and daily activities.

Now that you know what to expect with BHRT, call Owl & Eagle Health and Wellness in Denver or Golden, Colorado, to schedule an appointment, ask us about our telehealth services, or book online to get started.