HRT General Patient Education Guide

HRT is a partnership between you and your provider. Following your treatment plan, attending regular check-ins, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you achieve the best results. Remember, adjustments may be needed along the way to ensure your therapy is safe and effective.

1. Initial Phase (2-3 Months)

• Starting dose: Depends on therapy. Your provider will determine the appropriate type and dosage of HRT based on your symptoms, medical history, and lab results.
• Common forms of HRT include: Pills taken orally daily, Patche applied to the skin and changed weekly or biweekly, Creams or Gels applied to the skin or vaginal area and Injections administered periodically by a healthcare provider.
• Improvements you may notice:
• improved sleep or fewer hot flashes may begin within 2-4 weeks.
• Full benefits often take 8-12 weeks as your body adjusts to the therapy.
• Lab will be checked every 6-8 weeks to assess hormone levels and adjust doses as needed.

2. Ongoing Maintenance

• Customized Adjustments based on your progress and labs. 
• Regular Monitoring: Once stabilized, labs and follow-ups occur every 3-6 months to ensure therapy remains effective and safe.

3. Possible Side Effects

• Breast tenderness.
• Bloating or fluid retention.
• Nausea or headaches.
• Spotting or breakthrough bleeding (especially in the early stages).
• If side effects persist or worsen, notify your provider for possible adjustments.

1. Oral Tablets:

• Take at the same time daily with or without food.

2. Patches:

• Apply to clean, dry skin (lower abdomen or buttocks).
• Avoid applying to the same spot consecutively.

3. Creams or Gels:

• Apply as directed to specific areas (e.g., inner thighs or vaginal area).
• Allow the product to dry before dressing.

4. Injections:

• Intramuscular (IM) Injection:
• Administered into the thigh or gluteal muscle.
• Use a 22-25 gauge, 1-1.5-inch needle.
• Inject slowly and rotate injection sites.

• Subcutaneous (SQ) Injection:
• Administered into the abdominal fat layer.
• Use a 27-30 gauge, 0.5-inch needle.
• Easier for those sensitive to IM injections.

• Steps for Both Methods:
• Wash hands and clean the vial and injection site with alcohol.
• Draw the correct dose using a sterile syringe.
• Inject at a 90-degree angle (for IM) or 45-degree angle (for SQ).
• Dispose of needles in a sharps container.

1. Exercise/Physical Activity:

• Incorporate weight-bearing exercises to support bone health and improve energy.

2. Nutrition:

• Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.

3. Hydration:

• Drink plenty of water daily to support metabolism and skin health.

4. Stress Management:

• Practice mindfulness, yoga, or relaxation techniques to reduce stress and enhance hormonal balance.

5. Sleep Hygiene:

• Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to promote recovery and well-being.

1. Lab Monitoring:

• After starting HRT, labs should be checked every 2-3 months during the initial phase:
• Estrogen Levels: Ensure appropriate levels to reduce symptoms and prevent side effects.
• Progesterone Levels: If on combination therapy, will monitor to ensure uterine protection.
• Testosterone Levels: For women prescribed testosterone.
• Lipid Profile: Monitor cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Bone Density Tests: Periodically check for osteoporosis risk.
• Additional labs may be drawn as deemed necessary.

2. Long-Term Monitoring:

• Annual check-ups to assess therapy effectiveness and address any new symptoms.
• Mammograms and pelvic exams as recommended.

3. Symptom Tracking:

• Keep a journal of symptoms, noting any improvements or new issues.