You’ve done your research and determined that Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is right for you. You know the benefits of increased mental focus and clarity, improved libido, and a boosted mood are well worth it. Now, you want to experience what it’s like when your hormones are finally balanced.
So what comes next? What can you expect from BHRT after you have decided it’s a good fit for you?
Knowing what changes you can expect when just starting BHRT—mentally, physically, and emotionally—will help you deal with them when they come up. You’ll be better equipped to handle side effects when you know what you’re in for and how long they’ll last.
The First 3 Months: Potential Side Effects
Every person is unique, so your experience with bio-identical hormone replacement therapy may be different from someone else’s. For instance, some individuals won’t experience any side effects from BHRT. Others, on the other hand, may have unexpected side effects during the first few weeks.
When you first start hormone replacement therapy, you might experience a few side effects as your body adjusts to the hormone fluctuations. Side effects may vary by person, dose, method, and type of hormone taken. Your age also plays a role in the side effects you may experience.
However, here are some common side effects of estrogen and/or progestogen:
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Headaches
- Vaginal bleeding
- Bodily swelling
- Cramps
- Acne
Additional problems may rarely happen, especially depending on the balance of your hormones. It’s always recommended to do your research and talk to your doctor about the best way to balance your hormones while managing potential side effects.
Before you start bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, remember to talk with your doctor about your risk factors and personal health situation. You’ll need keep seeing them every 3-6 months during treatment to ensure you’re getting the most benefits out of your treatments.
How Long Will It Take My Body To Adjust To Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
The good news is that the side effects of BHRT usually improve over time. It’s recommended you stay on your treatment for at least 6 months to get a clearer idea of whether or not it’s making a difference for you and if the side effects reduce over time.
Always talk to your doctor if symptoms are severe and persist longer than the 3 month mark. If something doesn’t feel normal, don’t be afraid to bring it up to your doctor. You can work together to come up with alternative treatment options or adjust your bio-identical hormone replacement therapy treatment to better fit your body.
Depending on your treatment, watching what you eat, and adding exercise to your routine may help. Stretching might ease cramping, and a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet might improve breast tenderness, for example. You could also try lowering the dosage and changing which type you take for added relief after three months.
Your doctor can describe what’s happening in your body and how best to deal with it.
How Soon Will I Start Seeing Results?
Besides the potential side effects, your body will probably change physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually when starting BHRT. You may even feel more confident along the way! While the results will differ from person to person, here’s what you can expect from your hormone replacement therapy.
Depending on which hormone you take and your dosage, you can expect to start noticing changes within the first couple weeks or months. For some patients on bio-identical progesterone or estrogen treatments, results can be noticed in as little as 2 weeks.
The most noticeable benefit of BHRT is relief from frustrating symptoms of menopause. Women have reported improved sleep, less joint pain, better mood, and recovered concentration. Additionally, they have more energy, fewer hot flashes, and reversal in the changes around their vagina related to dryness and discomfort during sex. These benefits will become more apparent after several months of BHRT.
For men, there is much more extensive research available on testosterone therapy’s effectiveness and when you can start to see results. Check out the chart below for an approximate result timeline.
Testosterone Treatments Timeline For Men:
- 3 weeks: After the first few weeks, you’ll notice a dramatic increase in sexual interest. This typically plateaus around 6 weeks. You will also notice an improvement in quality of life.
- 6 weeks: Symptoms of depression will start to dissipate starting at the six-week point and will continue to improve. You may experience less joint pain and better blood work, as inflammation will start to decrease.
- 3 months: Blood circulation will improve, which leads to better erections. Changes in fat mass, lean body, mass, and muscle strength will become noticeable. These will continue to improve for years. If you have diabetes, you may notice an improvement in glycemic control around this time.
- 6 months: Your bones will begin to strengthen. This will continue for 3 years and beyond!
Symptoms will be person-specific and can vary greatly. How you experience the treatment may be different than anyone else you talk to. Your doctor will be able to tell you what’s in the realm of “normal” and whether or not you need to make changes or be concerned.
For a clear idea of what hormone replacement therapy looks like, check out social media! People transitioning have often recorded their journeys on platforms such as YouTube.
Will I Gain Weight From BHRT?
There is no evidence supporting the claim that BHRT causes added weight gain. So don’t worry! Your bio-identical hormone treatments won’t affect your waistline or your belly.
If you’re using bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for relief from menopause, you should know that menopause itself can cause weight gain—regardless of whether you use BHRT to manage those symptoms. BHRT might also cause water retention, which can cause your weight to appear higher.
Regular exercise and a healthy diet can combat any weight gain. If you’re worried about your treatments affecting your figure, be sure to follow an active lifestyle for best results.
Is There Anything You Can Do To Help Your Body Adjust More Quickly?
Talking with your doctor will help you get on top of anything that comes up during your treatment. To better manage your progress and remember what you need to discuss, try to keep a record of your symptoms. Jot them down in a notebook as they happen, making note of the day and the time and the severity.
You can also prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor and bring your symptom notes. That way, you don’t forget anything important!
Starting BHRT doesn’t have to be scary. By understanding what the first few months will be like, you’ll be prepared for potential side effects and ready to enjoy all the benefits BHRT has to offer.
At The Resurge Clinic, we want to help you live your life to the fullest. Schedule a consultation today to restore balance to your hormones and your life.
