How long after starting HRT will I see results?

It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first. A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you're taking.

What should I expect the first week of HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is medicine used to treat the symptoms of the menopause. It is common to have side effects in the first few months of taking HRT. These usually settle on their own within 6 to 8 weeks. Side effects include weight gain, irregular bleeding, feeling sick (nausea) and skin irritation.

What happens to your body when you start taking HRT?

Hormones used in HRT can have associated side effects, including: fluid retention. bloating. breast tenderness or swelling.

Do you feel worse before you feel better on HRT?

If you are unlucky, you may even find that HRT can make you feel worse before you feel better. Common side effects of oestrogen include bloating, nausea, indigestion, tender breasts, vaginal bleeding and headaches.

What should I expect the first month of HRT?

The first changes you will probably notice are that your skin will become a bit drier and thinner. Your pores will become smaller and there will be less oil production. You may become more prone to bruising or cuts and in the first few weeks you'll notice that the odors of your sweat and urine will change.

Hormone Replacement Therapy, How Long Did It Take To Feel Normal?

How long before I feel the benefits of HRT?

It usually takes a few weeks before you feel the benefits of HRT. It can take up to 3 months to feel the full effects. If you have not felt the benefit of HRT after 4 to 6 months, it may help to try a different type. It can take your body time to get used to HRT.

Does HRT make you look younger?

By supplementing your body's natural hormone levels, HRT can help you maintain a more youthful body composition. While this effect is particularly evident in men, research suggests that women can also benefit. HRT is also known to help women maintain softer, smoother skin, resulting in a younger look.

Does HRT help with belly fat?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can affect weight loss in women. In addition to having less abdominal fat, the same study found that women undergoing HRT were almost one whole point lower on the body mass index (BMI) scale, and they had nearly 3 pounds less of fat mass.

How will I know if HRT is working?

It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be some side effects at first. A GP will usually recommend trying treatment for 3 months to see if it helps. If it does not, they may suggest changing your dose, or changing the type of HRT you're taking.

Does HRT make you feel happier?

Many women find that they feel calmer, have more energy, are more motivated and generally much happier when they take HRT. Some women also need to take the hormone testosterone which is usually given as a gel but can also be given as an implant.

Does HRT change your body shape?

Muscle mass and strength will decrease. Additionally, arms and legs will appear smoother. This is because the fat below the skin becomes thicker. As the fat under the skin increases and moves, the eyes and face may take on a more “feminine” appearance.

Does HRT make you skinny?

Research indicates that HRT is an effective way to decrease body fat levels. Another component that's less measurable is the quality of life improvement that many women experience when they utilize HRT.

Do you put on weight when you start HRT?

Many women believe that taking HRT will make them put on weight, but there's no evidence to support this claim. You may gain some weight during the menopause, but this often happens regardless of whether you take HRT. Exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet should help you to lose any unwanted weight.

How much weight does HRT make you gain?

Summary. HRT does not cause weight gain. Side effects of HRT may feel like it but the reality is that bodies change in midlife. In fact, many women lose weight and feel considerably fitter on HRT.

Does HRT make breasts bigger?

People who start estrogen hormone replacement therapy will notice many changes in their body and breast growth is one of the earliest and most noticeable developments.

Is it better to go through menopause without HRT?

One of the common treatment options for menopausal symptoms is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), supplementing your hormone levels to rebalance your system. However, you may prefer to move through menopause without using hormone treatments. And, women with previous hormone-dependent cancer shouldn't use HRT.

Does HRT speed up your metabolism?

Likewise, HRT regulates metabolism, which means the body burns more calories and appetite is reduced. HRT can also help to reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases, such as heart disease and type II diabetes. Additional benefits include reduced hot flashes and night sweats, increased bone density, and improved mood.

Does HRT reduce facial hair?

With that said, one of the physical changes that accompany estrogen hormone replacement therapy is body and facial hair thinning. Those on estrogen GAHT (both estradiol and anti-androgens and/or progesterone) can experience hair thinning on the face, chest, abdomen, legs, and arms.

How do I get rid of my menopausal apron belly?

It's impossible to spot treat an apron belly. The only ways to reduce one are through overall weight reduction and surgical/non-surgical options.

Can HRT change your face?

Conclusions: Hormone treatment in transwomen induces an increase in cheek tissue and a decrease in jaw tissue. In transmen a tendency of decrease in cheek tissue and an increase in jaw tissue was found. These changes are in the direction of the desired gender. Tebbens M, Nota NM, Liberton NPTJ, et al.

Can HRT reverse skin sagging?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been shown to increase epidermal hydration, skin elasticity, skin thickness (^{Sator et al 2001}), and also reduces skin wrinkles (^{Phillips et al 2001}).

Does HRT improve face?

People of all genders taking HRT report benefits such as more youthful skin, improved skin elasticity, and increased skin firmness. Some data backs up these reports for cisgender women who are experiencing menopause and taking estrogen HRT, but there isn't yet data on forms of HRT for other populations.

Does HRT help with fatigue?

Some women find that Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps with their fatigue. HRT is an effective way of managing menopause symptoms and can improve the overall quality of your life, energy levels and sleep.

Does HRT help with anxiety?

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

If your mood changes are related to the perimenopause and menopause, evidence indicates that HRT is better at improving your mood and anxiety than antidepressants.

How do you avoid weight gain on HRT?

There is no easy answer, but rebalancing the hormones, exercise routine and diet can help to increase your metabolic rate, which will ensure fat is burned more efficiently. Reducing overall stress in your life can help too, because stress can cause increased amounts of cortisol to be released.