You’re exhausted, puffy, and not sleeping. The hot flashes hit at the worst times. Your mood swings feel out of your control. You were told your labs are “normal,” but you don’t feel normal at all.
If that sounds like you, this guide will help you understand HRT and how a functional medicine approach can help you feel like yourself again.
What is HRT?
Hormone Replacement Therapy means giving your body the hormones it’s missing, in the right dose and form for you. For women, that often includes estrogen and progesterone. Sometimes we also look at testosterone in small, appropriate amounts. The goal is simple: reduce symptoms, protect long-term health, and help you function day to day.
Common signs it’s time to ask about HRT
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Brain fog and low drive
- Weight gain around your middle
- Trouble sleeping and low mood
- Vaginal dryness or low libido
- “Normal” labs but you still feel off
Perimenopause vs Menopause
- Perimenopause is the 2 to 10 years before your period stops. Hormones swing up and down. Symptoms can spike even when labs look “fine.”
- Menopause starts 12 months after your last period. Estrogen stays low. Many women notice sleep, skin, mood, and metabolism changes.
HRT can be considered in both stages, with careful testing and monitoring.
Why “normal” isn’t the same as “optimal”
Standard lab ranges are broad. They’re built on averages, not on how you actually feel. You can land in the “normal” range and still have night sweats, brain fog, and weight gain. We focus on optimal levels for you, plus how your body uses those hormones. That means checking:
- Estradiol and progesterone
- Thyroid (not just TSH)
- Cortisol and stress patterns
- Inflammation, nutrients, and metabolism
When you see the full picture, your plan finally makes sense.
What HRT may help improve
Every woman is different, but with the right plan many women report:
- Fewer hot flashes and better sleep
- Clearer thinking and steadier mood
- Easier weight management with less bloat
- Better vaginal comfort and libido
- More stable energy for work, family, and life
Honest note: Results vary. We never push therapy. We personalize, start low, and monitor closely.
Bioidentical hormones, explained
You may hear the term bioidentical. That means the hormone has the same structure your body makes. At Med Matrix, we use evidence-based options and choose the route that fits you:
- Transdermal estrogen (patch, gel, cream) is often gentle and steady
- Oral or vaginal progesterone supports sleep and protects the uterus if you still have one
- Low-dose testosterone may be discussed for libido and energy when appropriate
We choose form, dose, and timing based on your goals, history, and labs.
Functional Medicine vs Conventional Care
Conventional care often waits until labs fall out of range, then offers a one-size plan or a quick prescription. You’ve likely heard, “You’re fine,” or “It’s just aging.”
Functional medicine looks deeper. We connect your hormones with sleep, thyroid, stress, gut health, and blood sugar. We take time to listen, map the whole picture, and give you a plan you can follow.
Our Women’s HRT Process at Med Matrix
Step 1: Deep testing
We run a full hormone panel plus thyroid, inflammation, nutrients, and metabolism. We also review your cycle history, symptoms, and goals.
Step 2: Personal plan
You get a simple, written plan that may include HRT, nutrition, strength training, sleep support, and targeted supplements. No guesswork.
Step 3: Start low and monitor
We start with the lowest effective dose, check in on symptoms, and re-test at set times. We adjust based on data and how you feel.
Safety basics you should know
- HRT is not for everyone. Your history matters.
- Dose and delivery route affect risk and benefit.
- Regular follow-ups and labs are part of safe care.
- We will talk through pros, cons, and alternatives so you can decide with confidence.
Who is a good candidate to discuss HRT?
You may be a good fit to discuss HRT if you:
- Have moderate to severe hot flashes or night sweats
- Struggle with sleep, brain fog, or mood changes
- Have weight gain and feel “inflamed” or puffy
- Tried to “push through” but still don’t feel like you
If HRT isn’t right for you, we’ll outline a non-hormonal plan that still targets root causes.
What makes Med Matrix different
- We listen first and connect the dots
- We test beyond a single number
- We tailor your plan and explain it in plain English
- We track your outcomes so you can see real progress
You won’t hear, “It’s all in your head.” You’ll hear, “Here’s what we see, here’s why you feel this way, and here’s the next step.”
FAQs
How fast will I feel better?
Some women notice changes in a few weeks. For deeper results like sleep, mood, and body composition, expect steady progress over months.
Will I be on HRT forever?
Not necessarily. We revisit benefits and risks with you on a regular schedule. You’re in control, with guidance.
Do I have to change my lifestyle too?
HRT works best with good sleep, strength training, protein-forward nutrition, and stress care. We make it simple and doable.
Ready to talk about HRT the right way?
Let’s talk about your symptoms, review smart testing, and map your best next step. Book your call with a Med Matrix patient coordinator today.
