How should hormone therapy be adjusted when symptoms return or change?

When symptoms return or change while on hormone therapy, adjustments are often needed, and this is a common part of the menopause journey. Here at Alloy, we recommend the following approach:

The goal is typically a 70-80% improvement in symptoms. If you notice symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, or sleep issues returning after initial relief, it may be time to tweak your dose or product type.
Dose adjustments are individualized. Sometimes, after an initial period of relief (often 8-12 weeks), symptoms can return as your body settles, and your provider may recommend increasing your dose.
Ongoing communication with your healthcare provider is key. You should regularly check in about how you’re feeling, and adjustments can be made up or down based on your symptoms and preferences.
There’s no set rule for how often or how much to adjust—each person’s needs are unique, and the right dose is the one that controls your symptoms with the fewest side effects.

If you’re an Alloy member, you can request a change to your treatment plan by logging into your account, clicking 'treatment plan,' and selecting "request a change." More details are available in our support article: Can I adjust my current dose or product type?

For a deeper dive, check out these helpful video chapters:

Initial Relief and Dosage Adjustments (Dr. Corinne Menn) – Explains why symptoms may return and how dose adjustments are made.
Adjusting Hormone Therapy Doses (Dr. Corinne Menn) – Discusses the process of tweaking doses based on ongoing symptoms.
Adjusting Hormone Therapy for Persistent Symptoms (Dr. Mary Jane Minkin) – Covers practical steps for adjusting therapy when symptoms persist.

If you’re considering a change, you can also explore our range of menopause hormone therapy products or take our online assessment to find the best fit for your needs. At Alloy, we’re here to support you in finding the right solution for your unique menopause experience!

This answer was created using the following resources: