When should I start hormone replacement therapy?
Gather your own records first. The timing question starts there.
Decide on timing with a prescriber who has read your history
You and a prescribing clinician who has read your history set the timing together. Bring that history in a form they can read quickly.
Prepare your records ahead of the first hormone visit
Do the preparation first, so the appointment is not spent on basics:
- Write down your symptoms and the dates they began.
- List your current medicines and supplements.
- Note relevant family history.
- Bring any lab results you already have.
Then have the clinician read you the part of the product labeling and consent form that says who should not use the therapy.
Read what professional bodies and a medical center have published, so your questions are specific. Open the ACOG announcement on expanded recommendations for managing menopause symptoms and the NYU Langone news article on facts about menopause hormone therapy. On timing, read the Menopause Society release on ongoing individualized hormone therapy and age to see how a society words a finding about age. Bring it, and ask the clinician what it means for your own start date.
Book the consultation, then decide on timing
- Book a consultation first. Decide on timing only after it.
- Bring the written list from above.
- Ask which tests run first, and how their results could change the plan.
- Ask what to stop, start or report once therapy begins.
Ignore sales deadlines on hormone timing
Do not let a sales deadline set the timing. A deadline is a business term, not a medical one. Make the timing decision with a licensed clinician.