When you start Hormone Replacement Therapy, a medical treatment used to manage menopause symptoms by replacing declining estrogen and sometimes progesterone. Also known as hormone therapy, it helps with hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness—but it’s not without risks. Not everyone gets side effects, but if you do, they can range from mild to serious. The type of HRT you take—estrogen alone, estrogen with progesterone, or a combination—changes what you might experience.
Common side effects include bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, and mood swings. These often fade after a few weeks as your body adjusts. But some reactions need attention: unusual vaginal bleeding, severe leg pain, or sudden vision changes could signal something more serious like a blood clot or stroke. Women with a history of breast cancer, liver disease, or blood clots are usually advised against HRT. Your doctor should check your risk level before prescribing it. Progesterone, added to protect the uterus when estrogen is used, can cause fatigue, acne, or irritability. Estrogen-only therapy avoids that but isn’t safe for anyone with a uterus.
Many people stop HRT because of side effects, but quitting cold turkey can make symptoms worse. Tapering off slowly, under medical supervision, helps your body adjust. Some find relief with non-hormonal options like gabapentin for hot flashes or vaginal moisturizers for dryness. The key is knowing what’s normal and what’s not. If you’re on HRT and feel off, don’t just push through—talk to your provider. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay.
The posts below cover real cases and science-backed advice on managing HRT side effects, comparing different types of therapy, spotting warning signs, and alternatives that actually work. You’ll find what to expect when starting, how to reduce risks, and what to do if things go sideways. No fluff. Just clear, practical info from people who’ve been there.
