Functional medicine care
Hormone Replacement Therapy
What is hormone replacement therapy care with Dr. Christine Maren?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores estrogen, progesterone and sometimes testosterone as they decline in perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Christine Maren prescribes body-identical (bioidentical) hormones tailored to your symptoms, labs and health history, and monitors them closely, so you get relief from hot flashes, poor sleep and low mood along with long-term support for bones, heart and brain.
Much of the fear around HRT comes from older research on synthetic hormones. Dr. Maren explains current evidence in plain language and helps you make an informed, personal decision with a physician who can prescribe and follow you over time.
Who might benefit from hormone therapy?
- Women with hot flashes or night sweats
- Sleep disrupted by hormonal shifts
- New anxiety, low mood or irritability
- Vaginal dryness or painful intimacy
- Recurrent urinary symptoms after menopause
- Low libido and low energy
- Concerns about bone density
- Early or surgical menopause
Recognize yourself here? These symptoms are common, but they are not something you simply have to live with.
How does HRT work at Dr. Maren's practice?
Review your history and risks
We look closely at personal and family history, including breast health, clotting and heart health, to decide whether HRT is right for you.
Test and choose the right form
Lab work guides the choice of hormones and delivery, such as transdermal estrogen, oral micronized progesterone, testosterone or vaginal estrogen.
Start low and adjust
Doses are personalized and fine-tuned to your symptoms and follow-up labs rather than a one-size protocol.
Support the whole system
Hormones work best alongside gut, thyroid, blood sugar and nutrient support, which we address at the same time.
Learn more about hormone replacement therapy
Dr. Maren has written and spoken extensively on this topic. Start with these articles, guides and podcasts.
- The truth about HRT and bioidentical hormones
- Benefits of vaginal estrogen for genitourinary health and libido
- Perimenopause treatment options
- Podcast: metabolism, menopause, thyroid, HRT and muscle
- Hormonal changes in perimenopause
Related services
Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQs
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
For most healthy women who start within 10 years of menopause or before age 60, current research shows the benefits of HRT usually outweigh the risks, especially with transdermal estrogen and micronized progesterone. Safety depends on your personal history, which is why Dr. Maren reviews it in detail first.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical, or body-identical, hormones have the same molecular structure as the estrogen, progesterone and testosterone your body makes. Many are FDA approved, such as estradiol patches and oral micronized progesterone.
Can I start HRT during perimenopause?
Yes. Many women benefit from progesterone, estrogen or both while still having periods. Treatment does not have to wait until menopause if symptoms are affecting your life.
Does HRT help with weight gain?
HRT is not a weight loss drug, but restoring estrogen can help with sleep, insulin sensitivity and where fat is stored. Combined with protein, strength training and blood sugar support, many women find weight easier to manage.
How long can I stay on hormone therapy?
There is no fixed stopping point. The decision is revisited regularly with your physician based on your symptoms, goals and health, and many women continue for years with ongoing monitoring.
Is vaginal estrogen safe?
Low-dose vaginal estrogen acts locally with minimal absorption into the bloodstream and is considered very safe for most women. It effectively treats dryness, painful intimacy and recurrent urinary symptoms after menopause.
The path to vibrant health starts here
We see patients virtually in California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan and Texas. Start with a brief application so we can understand your goals.