Can hormone therapy be started during perimenopause while periods are still occurring?

You absolutely can start hormone therapy during perimenopause, even while you are still having periods. Here at Alloy, we know this is a common question, and it’s important to know that the old idea that you must wait until your periods have completely stopped is outdated.

During perimenopause, your hormones fluctuate and symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep issues can be quite disruptive. Hormone therapy can be tailored to your needs during this time. There are several options:

Low-dose birth control pills: These are often recommended for women in perimenopause who still need contraception and want to regulate irregular periods and manage symptoms. Learn more about our Low-Dose Birth Control Pill.
Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): Options like the estradiol patch, estradiol pill, or estradiol gel can be used in perimenopause, often alongside progesterone if you still have a uterus, to help manage symptoms.
Vaginal estrogen: For symptoms like dryness or painful sex, estradiol vaginal cream is safe to start in perimenopause and can be used long-term.

The choice depends on your symptoms, your need for contraception, and your personal and family medical history. At Alloy, our menopause-trained doctors will help you find the best option for your unique situation. You can get started with a personalized plan by taking our online assessment.

For a deeper dive into this topic, check out the chapter “Hormone Therapy During Perimenopause” in our YouTube webinar with Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Kudzai Dombo, where they address this exact question and explain why starting hormone therapy in perimenopause is both safe and effective: Watch the relevant chapter here.

If you want to explore all your options, visit our Solutions page to see the full range of products available at Alloy.

This answer was created using the following resources: