Hormone Replacement Therapy | Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
Comprehensive women's health, every stage of life
Perimenopause and menopause bring real, tangible changes to a woman’s body, making it extremely difficult to work, sleep, and perform everyday tasks. At Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is one of the many ways we help women feel like themselves again during this transition, easing symptoms that can otherwise disrupt sleep, mood, energy, and everyday comfort. Our expert OB/GYNs will walk you through your options and help you decide what’s right for your body and your goals.
To schedule your hormone replacement therapy consultation, call our Wellesley office (781) 235-4000 or request an appointment online.
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What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a treatment that supplements the hormones your body produces less of as you approach and move through menopause and perimenopause. We focus on two essential hormones that your body produces: estrogen and, for many women, progesterone as well.
As ovarian hormone production naturally declines with age, that drop-off can trigger a wide range of symptoms, from hot flashes to sleep disruption to changes in mood. HRT works by restoring some of what your body is no longer producing on its own, helping to ease those symptoms and support long-term health.
Why Do Hormones Shift During Menopause and Perimenopause?
Estrogen and progesterone do far more than regulate your menstrual cycle. They influence temperature regulation, bone density, cardiovascular health, skin elasticity, vaginal tissue, and even brain chemistry tied to mood and sleep. As the ovaries gradually produce less of these hormones during perimenopause and menopause, the body has to adjust to a new hormonal baseline, and that adjustment period is often when your symptoms show up most intensely. Every woman’s hormonal decline looks a little different, which is part of why menopause can feel so unpredictable from one patient to the next and why we take extra care when providing support and care during this change.
Common Symptoms Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help with
Many women turn to hormone replacement therapy because of symptoms that are interfering with daily life, including:
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort during intimacy
- Mood swings, irritability, or increased anxiety
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Joint aches and muscle discomfort
- Changes in libido
- Thinning hair or changes in skin texture
Although hormone replacement therapy can be very effective and may improve many or all of the symptoms described above, it is not the right or complete solution for everyone. If your symptoms do not fully improve with hormone therapy, continue speaking with your healthcare provider at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates. Not all symptoms are linked to estrogen deficiency, and additional treatments, interventions, or consultation with a specialist may be helpful and we are dedicated to getting you the answers you need to feel well.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
HRT isn’t the right fit for every patient, and that’s exactly why this decision should be made together with an OB/GYN specialist. During your consultation, we’ll review your personal and family health history, current symptoms, and any risk factors, so you have a clear, honest picture of the potential benefits and considerations before starting treatment.
For many women, HRT offers meaningful relief and can also support long-term bone and heart health. For others, alternative approaches may be a better fit. Either way, you’ll leave your appointment with a plan that reflects your specific needs, not a generic protocol.
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy We Offer at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to HRT, which is why we take the time to build a plan around your symptoms, health history, and preferences.
Systemic Hormone Therapy
Systemic HRT delivers hormones throughout the body and is typically used to address widespread symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. It’s available in several forms, including pills, patches, gels, and sprays, allowing us to find an option that fits comfortably into your routine.
Local (Vaginal) Hormone Therapy
For women whose symptoms are centered around vaginal dryness, discomfort, or urinary changes, local estrogen therapy delivers a lower dose directly to vaginal tissue. This option has minimal systemic absorption and can be a good fit for women who don’t need or want broader hormone support.
Combination Therapy
Women who still have a uterus are typically prescribed estrogen alongside progesterone, rather than estrogen alone. Progesterone helps protect the uterine lining, reducing risks associated with estrogen therapy used on its own.
Why Choose Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Since 1963, Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates has supported women through every hormonal chapter of life, and menopause is no exception. We approach HRT with both clinical precision and genuine patience, taking the time to answer your questions, address your concerns, and adjust your treatment as your body changes. You deserve a provider who treats this transition as the significant, whole-body shift it is. It’s our mission to help you navigate the ways your body is moving through the highs and lows of menopause and perimenopause with compassion, understanding, and decades of expertise.
Schedule Your Consultation Today at Brigham Wellesley OB/GYN Associates Today
You don’t have to simply endure the symptoms of menopause. To learn whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you, call (781) 235-4000 for our Wellesley office or request an appointment online. We’re here to help you feel like yourself through every stage of this transition.
Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQs
At what age do most women start HRT?
A woman generally begins perimenopause in her 40s, though the timing varies, and some can start perimenopause in their late 30s. Most commonly, women reach menopause by 51 or 52. Symptoms often start during perimenopause, the years leading up to menopause, and may be more pronounced at the beginning of the process and ease over time.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Perimenopause begins as your body starts making less estrogen and progesterone. Early signs often include irregular periods, hot flashes, changes in mood or sleep, and vaginal dryness. If you think you are in perimenopause, scheduling an appointment with your gynecologist can help you determine whether your symptoms are from perimenopause or something else and then develop an appropriate treatment plan.
How long do I need to stay on HRT?
How long perimenopause lasts varies among women. Generally, perimenopause lasts 4-8 years. For some, symptoms may be more pronounced at the start of the transition and ease over time. For most women, menopause-related symptoms gradually improve during the postmenopausal years, though some concerns related to lower estrogen may need ongoing attention.
Will HRT help with weight changes during menopause?
Yes. Many women find relief by avoiding common triggers such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and tight clothing. When lifestyle adjustments aren’t enough, additional options, including hormone therapy and non-hormonal treatments, may be appropriate. Your women’s health care provider can help you find the right approach for your symptoms and health history.
What if I’ve had breast cancer or a related health history?
Absolutely. Because postmenopausal women have lower estrogen levels, they face an increased risk of conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease. Continuing routine exams and screenings is one of the most important things you can do to protect your long-term health, comfort, and quality of life.