Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) & DHEA

Precision Menopause Care

Highlights

  • The Approach: We do not believe in a “one size fits all” protocol. Your HRT plan is radically personalised based on your risk profile, genetics, and symptoms.

  • The Options: We prescribe a full spectrum of bioidentical therapies, including Estrogen replacement, micronised Progesterone, Testosterone therapy, and DHEA.

  • The Safety: We use pharmaceutical-grade, regulated hormones. Our clinical decision-making is guided by rigorous blood work, cardiovascular screening, and ongoing monitoring.

  • The Goal: Beyond symptom relief, we aim for longevity, protecting your bones, brain, and heart health for the decades ahead.
Your hormones are the invisible drivers of your health, influencing everything from your energy and mood to your sleep and cognitive sharpness. When these levels shift, whether due to age, stress, or natural life transitions, the impact on your daily reality can be profound.
For too long, women have been told that a decline in vitality is simply the price of aging. At Menovivre, we believe you deserve better. We offer a precision-led approach to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and DHEA, designed to restore your biological equilibrium so you can live your next chapter with clarity, resilience, and strength.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Safe? Redefining the Science

For decades, the conversation around HRT was dominated by fear. Today, the medical consensus has shifted.
At Menovivre, we move beyond the outdated “lowest dose for the shortest time” dogma. Instead, we focus on the right dose for the right duration. Current guidance from the British Menopause Society supports the safety of HRT when prescribed correctly, emphasising that for most women under 60, the benefits for heart and bone health outweigh the risks.
We treat hormonal imbalance not as a disease, but as a physiological state that can be optimised. Our goal is to restore balance using pharmaceutical-grade, bioidentical hormones.

Estrogen Replacement: Is Transdermal Safer Than Oral Tablets?

One of the most common questions we hear is regarding the safety of estrogen delivery.
At Menovivre, we prioritise transdermal estrogen replacement (patches, gels, or sprays). Why? Because when estrogen is absorbed through the skin, it bypasses the liver. This method is associated with a significantly lower risk of blood clots (venous thromboembolism) compared to oral tablets.
We also offer targeted Vaginal Oestrogen Therapy for women suffering from local dryness or discomfort, providing relief without systemic risks.

Synthetic Progestins vs.
Body-Identical Progesterone

Not all progesterones are created equal. This distinction is critical for your long-term safety.
  • Synthetic Progestins: Often found in older HRT pills, these are chemically altered and have been linked to higher risks of breast cancer in some studies.
  • Micronised Progesterone: This is “body-identical” meaning its molecular structure matches your body’s own progesterone exactly.
  • We prescribe body-identical progesterone to protect the uterus. It has a safer risk profile and offers added benefits for sleep and mood stabilisation that synthetic versions often lack.

Why Do Doctors Prescribe Testosterone for Women During Menopause?

It is often mistakenly labelled a “male hormone,” but Testosterone therapy is vital for women’s vitality.
We prescribe testosterone “off-label” to treat symptoms that estrogen alone cannot fix. If you have optimised your estrogen but still suffer from Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (low libido), persistent fatigue, or “brain fog,” testosterone deficiency is often the missing link. We use physiological doses to restore the levels you had in your prime, without the fear of masculinisation.

How Does DHEA Supplementation Support Adrenal Health?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It acts as a precursor, meaning your body converts it into other estrogens and androgens as needed.
Levels of DHEA naturally decline with age and chronic stress. A DHEA hormonal supplement protocol can be a powerful tool to:
Support adrenal
resilience and energy.
Improve mood and cognitive function.
Enhance vaginal health and comfort locally.

What You Can Realistically Expect from HRT

Hormone therapy is a journey, not a switch. While some women feel relief in days, for most, it is a gradual blossoming. We believe in setting realistic expectations for your recovery.
The Immediate Shift (Weeks to Months)
Most patients report a meaningful reduction in acute symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disturbances within the first few weeks. You may also notice improved mood stability, reduced anxiety, and a lifting of the “brain fog” that makes work difficult.
The Long-Term Protection (Years)
Beyond how you feel today, HRT is an investment in your future. Staying on therapy provides significant protection against osteoporosis (bone loss), reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and may offer neuroprotective benefits against dementia when started within the appropriate window.
The Physical Restoration (3–6 Months)
As levels stabilise, benefits often extend to physical vitality. This includes improved energy, a restoration of libido and vaginal comfort, and better skin texture.

How Does DHEA Supplementation Support Adrenal Health?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It acts as a precursor, meaning your body converts it into other estrogens and androgens as needed.

What Clinical Protocols Does Menovivre Follow?

Safety is our “North Star.” We never guess with your hormones. Our team, led by Dr. Nirusha, Dr. Tasnim and Dr. Uloma, follows a rigorous functional protocol:
  • Comprehensive Evaluation: We screen for cardiovascular disease, breast cancer risks, and thrombotic factors before prescribing.
  • Advanced Diagnostics: We test the full panel (Estrogen, Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEA-S) alongside thyroid and metabolic markers to ensure your body is metabolising hormones safely.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: HRT is dynamic. We review you clinically every 3–6 months and repeat blood tests to adjust doses. Patients should never self-adjust doses; therapeutic balance requires medical supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I start HRT if I have a family history of breast cancer but no personal diagnosis?

A: Often, yes. A family history does not automatically disqualify you from HRT. We perform a detailed individual risk assessment. For many women, the benefits of bioidentical therapy (specifically transdermal estrogen + micronised progesterone) outweigh the risks, but this is a deeply personal decision we make together.

Q: What does the latest medical guidance say about the ‘timing hypothesis’ for starting HRT?

A: The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) suggests there is a “window of opportunity.” Starting HRT within 10 years of menopause (or under age 60) typically provides the maximum benefits for heart and brain health with the lowest risk profile.

Q: Can I take HRT if I am still having irregular periods in perimenopause?

A: Yes. You do not have to wait for your periods to stop. In fact, starting early can smooth the transition, regulating the chaotic hormonal fluctuations that cause mood swings and heavy bleeding.

Q: Will taking female testosterone therapy cause masculine side effects like hair growth?

A: No, not when dosed correctly. We prescribe micro-doses intended to restore female physiological levels, not male levels. We monitor your blood levels closely to prevent androgenic side effects.

Q: Is local vaginal estrogen safe to use indefinitely for dryness without systemic risks?

A: Yes. Local vaginal estrogen is very low dose and stays in the pelvic tissue. It does not carry the same systemic risks as oral HRT and is considered safe for long-term use to prevent atrophy and discomfort.

You do not have to “tough it out.” Modern hormone therapy offers a safe, effective way to reclaim your quality of life and protect your future health.

with Dr. Tasnim or Dr. Uloma to discuss your personalised plan today.

Care Designed Around You.

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