Hormone therapy risks or side effects may vary depending on the type of hormone therapy used. When starting HRT, women may experience transient side effects, such as headaches, breast fullness, or bloatedness, which usually subside within a couple of weeks.

However, some side effects may persist and require changing HRT type. Common side effects associated with estrogen therapy for women include breast tenderness, skin irritation, leg cramps, nausea, and headaches.

Progesterone-related side effects may include premenstrual syndrome-like symptoms, fluid retention, breast tenderness, backache, depression, mood swings, and pelvic pain. It’s important to discuss any concerns or persistent side effects during your quarterly consultations with your replacement therapy doctor

HRT is generally safe for most people, but it can present an increased risk for certain individuals and is not suitable for women who have:

• History of certain types of cancer – breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer
• Active or prior history of blood clots
• Any form of liver disease
• Untreated and uncontrolled blood pressure.

Additionally, HRT is not suitable for men who have:

• History of certain types of cancer – prostate or testicular cancer
• Any form of liver disease
• Red blood cell disorders
• Untreated and uncontrolled blood pressure.

We advise you to freely discuss your medical history and any health concerns you might have with your hormone replacement doctor during your initial consultation. Our health specialist can help you determine if it is a safe and appropriate treatment option and propose a different integrative service according to your hormone therapy needs. A hormone therapy doctor will also inform you of any risks associated with your treatments.

The time it takes for hormone replacement treatments to work can vary depending on the individual’s specific symptoms and hormone (estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone) levels. In some cases, individuals may start noticing improvements in health symptoms within a few weeks. However, in most cases, it takes several months (usually up to 3) to achieve optimal results from hormone therapy. That’s why we work closely with our patients to monitor their health progress and, if needed, make any necessary adjustments to their hormone therapy treatment plans.

No, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is not a form of birth control. HT is a treatment that uses hormones to alleviate symptoms of menopause or hormonal imbalances. In some cases, hormone therapy can also help women manage period symptoms. If you are a woman seeking contraception, you should use other methods such as condoms, oral contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), or other forms of birth control. It is important to discuss the various options with your VYVE healthcare provider to determine the best form of contraception for you.

HRT for men suppresses sperm production by impacting the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Low sperm production can affect fertility, especially in males already experiencing health issues, such as low sperm count. Usually, infertility caused by HRT for men is reversible as soon as the treatment is stopped. During your initial consultation, you can discuss all fertility concerns with your VYVE healthcare specialist before starting HRT. In some cases, alternative treatments may be recommended for men who wish to preserve their fertility.

The decision to use HRT should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual health status, medical history, and symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause or other hormonal imbalances, like too high progesterone levels that are impacting your quality of life, you may be a good candidate for hormone therapy. However, there are also potential risks to consider when receiving hormone therapy, so it’s important to have an open discussion during your consultation to determine if Hormone Replacement Therapy is the right choice for you.

Yes, you can stop Hormone Replacement Therapy once you start. Most postmenopausal women stop the treatment after menopausal symptoms are over. Men can choose to stop at any time should they no longer feel the need to enhance their vitality. You shouldn’t stop hormone therapy abruptly without discussing it with your doctor or healthcare specialist at VYVE. Sudden terminations of hormone therapy might cause some uncomfortable symptoms you’ve regulated with the treatment so far. Your doctor can help you gradually and safely taper off of hormone therapy to avoid risks and provide alternative treatment options if necessary.