Everything you need before your first HRT appointment

Check every symptom you've noticed in the last 6 months, even if you think it's unrelated. Many women are surprised by how many symptoms are actually hormonal. Bring this to your appointment.

Want a deeper read on any of these? See our full symptoms library.

A good provider welcomes questions. Their answers will tell you a lot about whether they're genuinely experienced with HRT or just dabbling. If they dodge, push back, or seem annoyed, that's your answer.

1. What HRT formulations do you most often prescribe, and why?
2. Do you prescribe bioidentical hormones? FDA-approved or compounded?
3. How do you decide between patches, pellets, creams, and oral?
4. Do you prescribe testosterone for women? Under what circumstances?
5. How do you monitor hormone levels during treatment?
6. What's your approach to progesterone for women with a uterus?
7. What side effects should I watch for in the first 3 months?
8. How do you adjust dosing if symptoms don't improve?
9. What's your stance on the WHI study and current HRT safety evidence?
10. Do you accept insurance, and which plans?
11. What's the typical cost out-of-pocket for the treatments you recommend?
12. How often will we have follow-up appointments?
13. Are you certified by the Menopause Society (MSCP/NAMS)?
14. How do you handle vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms specifically?
15. If HRT isn't right for me, what non-hormonal options do you offer?

Here's a quick, honest snapshot of the main HRT options. Each has trade-offs. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health history, and preferences.

Most women want to know: when will I feel better? The honest answer is that it varies, but here's a realistic timeline based on what most patients report.