--- title: "Can Hormone Therapy Start During Perimenopause?" description: "Learn how hormone therapy can be safely started during perimenopause while still having periods to manage symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings." url: "https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/can-hormone-therapy-be-started-during-perimenopause-while-periods-are-still-occurring" --- # Can Hormone Therapy Start During Perimenopause? > Learn how hormone therapy can be safely started during perimenopause while still having periods to manage symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. ## 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question, and it’s important to know that the old idea that you must wait until your periods have completely stopped is outdated.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](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/low-dose-birth-control-pill). **Low-Dose Birth Control Pill** 1-month supply Best for those in perimenopause (if you're still getting periods) [Start Now](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience?categories%5B%5D=mht&sku-ids%5B%5D=942fc36f-61c5-4cb9-ba30-8024ba2beb0a&skip-category-select=true&type=intake) - Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT): Options like the [estradiol patch](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-patch), [estradiol pill](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-pill), or [estradiol gel](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/divigel-estradiol-gel) can be used in perimenopause, often alongside progesterone if you still have a uterus, to help manage symptoms. **Estradiol Patch** 1-month supply Best for a low-maintenance routine, estrogen is abosorbed through your skin. [Start Now](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience?categories%5B%5D=mht&sku-ids%5B%5D=942fc36f-61c5-4cb9-ba30-8024ba2beb0a&skip-category-select=true&type=intake) - Vaginal estrogen: For symptoms like dryness or painful sex, [estradiol vaginal cream](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-vaginal-cream) is safe to start in perimenopause and can be used long-term. **Estradiol Vaginal Cream** 3-month supply Effective relief for vaginal dryness, itching, burning and the prevention of frequent UTIs. [Start Now](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience?categories%5B%5D=vaginal-health%2Csexual-health&sku-ids%5B%5D=b05fc1ea-c11f-4fa7-bb93-0f0494a62cff&skip-category-select=true&type=intake) 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](https://secure.myalloy.com/medical-intake). [Find Your Plan](https://secure.myalloy.com/experience) 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](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aelxiu0B8OE&t=4307s). [Watch video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aelxiu0B8OE&t=4307s) If you want to explore all your options, visit our [Solutions page](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions) to see the full range of products available at Alloy. [Learn More](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions) --- This answer was created using the following resources: - [Low-Dose Birth Control Pill](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/low-dose-birth-control-pill) - [Estradiol Vaginal Cream](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-vaginal-cream) - [Alloy Synbiotic](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/the-alloy-synbiotic) - [Estradiol Patch](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/estradiol-patch) - [Glow & Go Set](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/glow-and-go-set) - [Power Pair Set](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/power-pair-set) - [M4 Face Cream Rx](https://www.myalloy.com/solutions/m4) - [Navigating Menopause: What Every Black Woman Should Know | Dr. Kudzai Dombo & Dr. Sharon Malone - Hormone Therapy During Perimenopause](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aelxiu0B8OE) - [Hormone Therapy 101 (pt.2) | Dr. Corinne Menn - Tailoring Hormone Therapy in Perimenopause](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PC4MY3yCZs) - [Understanding Hormones During Menopause | Dr. Mary Jane Minkin - Starting Menopausal Hormone Therapy in Late Perimenopause](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tZRmRCnti4) - [Catching Up with Dr. Sharon Malone | Alloy](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/your-menopause-questions-answered-with-dr-sharon-malone) - [Do You Need Menopause Hormone Therapy?](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/signs-you-need-menopausal-hormone-therapy) - [Black Women and Menopause | Dr. Sharon Malone and Dr. Kudzai Dombo](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/what-every-black-woman-should-know-about-navigating-menopause) - [What Causes Irregular Periods in Your 40s? Periomenopause](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/im-in-my-40s-and-am-having-irregular-periods-am-i-in-perimenopause) - [Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Your Comprehensive Guide](https://www.myalloy.com/blog/bioidentical-hormone-replacement-therapy-insiders-guide) --- *This is a markdown version of [https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/can-hormone-therapy-be-started-during-perimenopause-while-periods-are-still-occurring](https://www.myalloy.com/knowledge-base/can-hormone-therapy-be-started-during-perimenopause-while-periods-are-still-occurring) for AI/LLM consumption.*