Hormone Replacement Therapy for Perimenopause – HRT
Many women in the Houston Heights area start to notice unfamiliar changes as they move through their late 30s and 40s. Sleep feels less restful, moods shift without warning, periods become unpredictable, and hot flashes show up at the most inconvenient times. These changes are common signs of perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, and they can affect how you feel at work, at home, and in your relationships.
At Thrive Medicine in Houston Heights, we partner with women who want clear answers and thoughtful support. Our hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause focuses on restoring hormonal balance, easing disruptive symptoms, and helping you feel more like yourself again. With careful evaluation, personalized treatment, and ongoing guidance, you do not have to navigate this transition on your own.
Perimenopause in Your 40s: What Is Happening in Your Body
Perimenopause is the time when hormone levels begin to shift before menstrual periods stop completely. For many women, it starts in the 40s, although some notice changes earlier. Estrogen and progesterone levels rise and fall in new patterns, which can make cycles shorter, longer, heavier, or more irregular.
During this time, you might notice:
● Periods that arrive closer together or further apart
● Heavier or lighter bleeding than you are used to
● New or stronger premenstrual symptoms
● Changes in mood, energy, or focus
These changes are linked to fluctuating estrogen and other hormones, not a lack of willpower or resilience. Understanding that there is a hormonal reason behind your symptoms can be reassuring and can guide you toward the right type of support.
At Thrive Medicine, we look at perimenopause as an opportunity to reassess your health. We talk through your full story, including sleep, stress, nutrition, movement, and family history, so that hormone therapy, if recommended, is part of a larger plan for long-term wellness.
Common Perimenopause Symptoms Women Notice First
Perimenopause symptoms can affect both body and mind. Some women notice only a few mild changes, while others feel that nearly every area of life is touched by hormonal shifts. Common symptoms include:
● Hot flashes and night sweats
● Trouble falling or staying asleep
● Irritability, anxiety, or mood swings
● Brain fog, forgetfulness, or trouble concentrating
● Irregular periods or unexpected spotting
● Vaginal dryness or discomfort with intimacy
● Lower libido
● Fatigue that does not match your schedule
● Weight changes or increased bloating
Some of these are considered menopausal symptoms, yet they often begin during perimenopause. When several symptoms show up at once, many women feel discouraged or disconnected from their usual sense of self.
Tracking patterns can make a real difference. Many women find it useful to keep notes on when hot flashes or night sweats occur and how intense they are, how well they are sleeping, any mood changes, and what seems to trigger them, the timing and flow of their cycles, and any new pain or unexpected bleeding.
Bringing this kind of detail to your visit to Thrive Medicine helps our team link your symptoms to hormonal shifts and other health factors. From there, we can talk with you about whether hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both is the right fit for your situation.
How Hormone Replacement Therapy for Perimenopause Works
Hormone replacement therapy, often called HRT or menopausal hormone therapy, is a treatment that supplements the hormones your body is no longer producing in steady amounts. For perimenopause, the goal is to reduce disruptive symptoms, support bone and heart health, and improve daily comfort while using the lowest effective dose.
Types of Hormone Therapy Used in Perimenopause
Depending on your needs and medical history, your Thrive Medicine provider may discuss several options, such as:
● Estrogen therapy. Estrogen can be delivered as a pill, patch, gel, or cream. It often helps reduce hot flashes, night sweats, sleep difficulties, and vaginal dryness.
● Combined hormone therapy. For women who still have a uterus, estrogen is typically paired with progesterone or a similar hormone. This combined hormone approach helps protect the uterine lining.
● Estrogen-only HRT. Women who have had a hysterectomy may be candidates for estrogen-only HRT, which can simplify treatment.
● Transdermal estrogen. Patches or gels applied to the skin allow estrogen to enter the bloodstream without going through the digestive system. Some women prefer this method because dosing can be steady and convenient.
● Targeted vaginal estrogen therapy. Low-dose creams, tablets, or rings focus on vaginal dryness and discomfort with intimacy while affecting the rest of the body less than systemic options.
In some situations, low-dose testosterone or other medications may be considered to support libido, energy, or muscle mass. Your provider will talk with you about whether that is appropriate based on your lab results and symptoms.
Benefits and Possible Risks
Many women report meaningful relief from:
● Hot flashes and night sweats
● Sleep disruption
● Vaginal dryness and discomfort
● Irritability and mood swings
● Low energy and brain fog
Hormone replacement therapy is not right for everyone. Possible risks can vary with age, treatment type, dose, and personal or family history. For example, women with a history of certain breast conditions, blood clots, or cardiovascular events may need a different plan or closer monitoring. Your provider will talk through how risks apply to you, explain current medical guidelines, and recommend additional tests or screenings when needed.
At Thrive Medicine, hormone therapy is one piece of your care. We also discuss nutrition, movement, stress, and sleep so that your treatment supports your overall health, not only symptom relief.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You
The decision to start hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause is personal. Rather than guessing or relying on generic approaches, you deserve clear information and a plan that respects your goals. You may want to talk with a healthcare provider if you are dealing with frequent hot flashes or night sweats that disrupt your routine, waking up tired even after a full night of sleep, or mood changes that affect your work or relationships.
It can also be helpful to schedule a visit if you have noticed vaginal dryness or pain with intimacy, feel that your symptoms are limiting the activities you enjoy, or are simply curious about how hormone therapy might support your bone and heart health as you age.
What Happens during an HRT Evaluation
During your visit, we take time to:
1. Listen to your story.You can describe your perimenopause symptoms, cycle changes, stress level, and health concerns in your own words.
2. Review your health history. We look at previous pregnancies, surgeries, medications, family history of breast cancer or blood clots, and any current conditions such as migraines or high blood pressure.
3. Order targeted lab testing. Blood work helps us understand your hormone levels and overall health. We may review estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid function, and markers related to cholesterol or blood sugar.
4. Discuss all treatment options. Hormone replacement therapy may be one option among several. Nonhormonal medications, nutritional changes, and lifestyle support are also considered.
You are part of every decision. Our team explains benefits, potential risks, and what to watch for once therapy begins, so you feel informed and supported rather than rushed.
If you are unsure whether you are ready for hormone therapy, an evaluation can still be helpful. Understanding where you are in the perimenopause transition can reduce worry and give you a clearer plan for the months and years ahead.
Personalized Perimenopause Care at Thrive Medicine in Houston Heights
Thrive Medicine in Houston Heights was created for people who want thoughtful, modern care in a calm, welcoming environment. Our team focuses on regenerative and performance medicine, including hormone optimization, so that women can move through perimenopause with more comfort and confidence.
Your Personalized HRT Plan
If hormone replacement therapy is a good fit, we design a plan tailored to you. That plan can include:
● The form of estrogen or combined hormone therapy that best matches your lifestyle, such as a patch, pill, gel, or cream
● Clear guidance about when and how to take or apply medication
● A schedule for follow-up visits and lab checks to review progress
● Adjustments to dosing or delivery if you notice new symptoms
● Discussions about nutrition, movement, and sleep that support hormonal balance
You will always know how to reach our team with questions between visits. Perimenopause is not a one-time event, and your care should adapt as your needs change.
Caring Support for Every Stage
Many of our patients say they feel seen and heard from the moment they walk through the door. That is by design. We believe personalized medicine works best when paired with genuine connection and clear education, so you can make confident choices about your health.
If you are in Houston Heights or the surrounding area and are ready to address perimenopause symptoms, we invite you to connect with Thrive Medicine:
● Schedule a consultation to discuss hormone replacement therapy for perimenopause
● Bring your symptom questions, tracking notes, and health history
● Partner with our team to create a plan that fits your body, your values, and your goals
You do not have to simply tolerate hot flashes, disrupted sleep, or mood swings. With thoughtful care and the right treatment approach, it is possible to feel steady, clear, and confident again.
Reach out to Thrive Medicine today to begin your path toward better balance and long-term wellness.