HRT Frequently Asked Questions

HRT supplements hormones that naturally decline during perimenopause and menopause—primarily estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. It helps relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, poor sleep, brain fog, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, while supporting long-term bone health.

Yes. Sanctuary offers secure telehealth consultations with licensed providers. If you qualify, prescriptions are electronically sent to your preferred pharmacy, and follow-up care is fully remote and convenient.

• Book a telehealth visit online
• Discuss symptoms and medical history with your provider
• Complete recommended lab work
• Review results and receive a personalized treatment plan
• Fill prescriptions at your preferred pharmacy

Yes, most patients need baseline labs to ensure safe and effective treatment. Common tests include estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid levels, metabolic panel, lipids, and CBC. Your provider will order only what is necessary for your case.

• Estrogen – patches, pills, gels, sprays, or vaginal products
• Progesterone/progestins – capsules, tablets, or IUDs
• Local vaginal estrogen – creams, tablets, or rings
• Testosterone – low-dose, when appropriate

Treatment medication and delivery methods are personalized based on your symptoms and medical history.

• Hot flashes & night sweats
• Sleep problems
• Vaginal dryness & painful intercourse
• Mood swings & irritability
• Brain fog and memory issues
• Bone loss prevention

Many women feel improvement in hot flashes and sleep within 1–2 weeks. Most reach steady relief in 1–3 months as dosages are optimized. Bone benefits take several months of consistent use.

Yes. The Sanctuary Wellness Institute doctors commonly prescribes FDA-approved bioidentical hormones such as estradiol and microcoded progesterone. Compounded hormones may be used only when medically appropriate.

For most healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, HRT is safe when properly monitored. Sanctuary uses evidence-based dosing and frequent follow-ups to reduce risks.

Sanctuary can send prescriptions to any major retail pharmacy, local independent pharmacy, or licensed compounding pharmacy. You choose what is most convenient.

Follow-ups typically occur 8–12 weeks after starting therapy, then every 6–12 months once stable. Your provider may order repeat labs to ensure safe, effective dosing.

You should speak with your provider before stopping. Many women taper gradually to avoid a rapid return of symptoms. Your clinician will recommend a safe discontinuation plan.

There is no fixed time limit. Many women use HRT for several years or longer if benefits outweigh risks. Your provider will reassess your plan annually.

Yes. Sanctuary frequently works with patients who had side effects or poor results elsewhere. Providers can adjust doses, switch delivery methods, or try new hormone combinations to improve tolerability and symptom relief.

Yes. All Sanctuary clinicians are fully licensed in the states where they practice. Telehealth services follow HIPAA regulations and state-specific prescribing rules to ensure compliant and safe care.