How should the effectiveness and dosing of menopausal hormone therapy be monitored?
The effectiveness and dosing of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) at Alloy are monitored primarily by tracking your symptoms and side effects, not by routine blood or urine tests. Here’s how we approach it:
- Symptom-Based Monitoring: Your menopause-trained doctor will adjust your dose based on how well your symptoms (like hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, etc.) are controlled and whether you experience any side effects. If you notice improvement in your symptoms and minimal side effects, your dose is likely appropriate.
- Side Effects: Common side effects, such as mild breast tenderness or irregular spotting, are often temporary and usually resolve within the first few months. If side effects persist or are bothersome, your doctor may adjust your dose.
- Dose Adjustments: If you don’t notice any symptom relief within 2-4 weeks, or only minimal improvement after 4-6 weeks, let your doctor know. Your dose can be increased or adjusted to better meet your needs.
- Individualization: Dosing is highly individualized. There is a range of FDA-approved doses and formulations, and your doctor will select the best option based on your age, symptoms, medical history, and preferences.
For more details, check out our comprehensive guide on Bioidentical Hormone Therapy and our range of FDA-approved MHT products:
For a helpful video explanation, watch Dr. Corinne Menn discuss how MHT dosing is monitored and adjusted based on symptoms in the chapter “Monitoring Hormone Therapy”:
If you’re interested in starting or adjusting MHT, you can get personalized recommendations and unlimited messaging with a menopause-trained doctor through Alloy. Learn more about our products and get started here:
Here at Alloy, we’re committed to helping you find the right dose and formulation to maximize relief and minimize side effects, all with ongoing support from our expert team.
This answer was created using the following resources:
- How Do You Know If You're on the Right Dose of MHT? | Dr. Corinne Menn
- Estradiol Pill
- Estradiol Vaginal Cream
- Estradiol Patch
- Evamist® Estradiol Spray
- Estradiol Gel
- Low-Dose Birth Control Pill
- Hormone Therapy 101 with Alloy’s Very Own Dr. Corinne Menn! - Individualizing Hormone Therapy Dosing
- Answering Your Perimenopause & Menopause Questions | Dr. Kudzai Dombo - Assessing Hormone Therapy After Age 60
- Adjusting Hormone Doses During Perimenopause | Dr. Corinne Menn - Changing Hormone Needs
- Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Your Comprehensive Guide
- NAMS Issues Updated Guidelines on Hormones