Sweating Bullets? No Sex Drive? How Do I Know If I Need A Higher Dose of HRT?
Still feeling off after undergoing HRT? Maybe your energy's low, your libido’s taken a nosedive, or anxiety and mood swings are still wreaking havoc. If you’re nodding along to this, it’s time to ask yourself: “How do I know if I need a higher dose of HRT?” At Wild Moon Collective in Libertyville, IL, we know how frustrating it can be when your hormone replacement therapy isn’t quite hitting the mark. But don’t worry—adjusting your dosage could be the key to feeling like yourself again.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an amazing tool for managing menopause symptoms and helping women regain their vitality. But if you're not feeling the results, how can you tell if your HRT dosage is too low, and what can you do to start feeling like a rockstar again? Let’s dive into how to know when it’s time for a dose change.
What Exactly is HRT?
HRT, or Hormone Replacement Therapy, is a treatment designed to relieve symptoms of menopause by replenishing the hormones—mainly estrogen and progesterone—that your body is no longer producing in sufficient amounts.
Menopause can throw your body into chaos, triggering everything from hot flashes and night sweats to vaginal dryness and mood swings. The goal of HRT is to help balance out those hormone levels and ease the transition into your post-menopausal years. But if your symptoms aren’t improving, or new ones are popping up, that’s a red flag that something might be off with your dose.
Common HRT Side Effects
Before we jump into adjusting your dosage, let’s talk about common side effects of HRT to watch for. Both estrogen and progesterone can bring along some baggage. You might experience bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, or nausea. These are fairly typical as your body adjusts to the new hormone levels, but they should improve with time. If they don't, or they’re getting worse, it could be a sign that your HRT dose isn't quite right for you.
How to Know if I Need a Higher Dose of HRT
So, how do you know if you need a higher dose of HRT? Well, HRT doesn’t work overnight. It generally takes about a few weeks to a couple of months to start seeing noticeable improvements. But if you've been on HRT for a while and you’re still dealing with persistent issues like no sex drive, fatigue, anxiety, or those dreaded mood swings, it might be time to have a conversation with your provider about increasing your dosage. Don’t settle for “okay” when you could be feeling fabulous!
Symptoms of Too High HRT Dose
On the flip side, having too much of a good thing isn’t always great either. While it’s less common, a dose that’s too high can lead to symptoms like dizziness, swollen breasts, headaches, and even spotting between periods. If you’re noticing any of these, your dosage might need to be dialed back. It’s all about finding that perfect balance where your hormones work with your body, not against it.
Are You Taking the Right Type of HRT Dose?
HRT isn’t one-size-fits-all. There are different forms, from pellets and patches to gels, sprays, and even vaginal applications for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). Each has its pros and cons, and what works for one woman might not work for another.
If you’re struggling with symptoms, it could be that your current type of HRT isn’t doing the trick. Sometimes switching to a different form, like going from tablets to a patch, can make all the difference. Your body might respond better to a different delivery method, so don’t hesitate to explore your options.
Double Check That You're Taking HRT Correctly
Before making any big changes to your HRT regimen, it’s a good idea to double-check that you’re using it properly. Forgetting to take your tablets daily? Not replacing your patch when you’re supposed to? Misapplying your gel? These common slip-ups can make it seem like your HRT isn’t working when, really, it’s just not being absorbed as intended.
Correcting these mistakes could give you the relief you’re after. It’s also essential to find an HRT method that fits into your lifestyle—because if it’s easy to forget, it’s easy to mess up.
Could Your Symptoms Be Something Deeper?
Sometimes, what you think is menopause might actually be something else entirely. If you’re not seeing improvements with HRT, there could be other underlying issues at play, like thyroid problems, infections, or even lifestyle factors like stress, diet, weight, and sleep. It’s worth having a thorough check-up to rule out anything else that could be contributing to your symptoms. After all, menopause might not be the only culprit here!
EvexiPEL Treatments in Libertyville, IL
At Wild Moon Collective, we offer the EvexiPEL BHRT treatment, which consists of implanting a tiny pellet under the skin. The pellet releases a dose of hormones over time, which mimics the body’s natural hormone production with amazing consistency. Many of our patients enjoy the ease and convenience of this HRT treatment because the dosing is less frequent and they don’t have to remember to take a pill or put on a patch!
Navigating hormone replacement therapy can feel like a balancing act, but with the right dose and type, it can be life-changing. If you're asking yourself, “how do I know if I need a higher dose of HRT?”, trust your instincts and talk to the professionals at Wild Moon Collective in Libertyville, IL.
Don’t settle for feeling “meh” when you could be thriving. Contact us today or book a consultation to take control of your hormones and get back to living your best life!