What to Ask Your Doctor About HRT: A Perimenopause Checklist

Getting the most from your HRT consultation starts with preparation. Whether you're exploring hormone therapy for the first time or reassessing your current treatment, these questions help you have a productive conversation with your clinician.

Questions about whether HRT is right for you

About your symptoms

• "Which of my symptoms is HRT most likely to help?"
• "Are there symptoms HRT won't address that I should manage differently?"
• "How severe do symptoms need to be to consider HRT?"

About your health history

• "Does anything in my medical or family history affect HRT options?"
• "What screening or tests should I have before starting?"
• "How does my age factor into the decision?"

About timing

• "Is there a 'window' for starting HRT that matters for me?"
• "Am I in perimenopause or menopause, and does that change the approach?"
• "How long would you typically recommend HRT for someone like me?"

Questions about HRT types and delivery

Understanding options

• "What's the difference between estrogen-only and combined HRT?"
• "Which type would you recommend for me and why?"
• "What delivery methods are available (pills, patches, gels, etc.)?"

Comparing delivery methods

• "What are the pros and cons of each delivery method?"
• "Does the delivery method affect risks or side effects?"
• "Which method do your patients tend to prefer and why?"

About bioidentical hormones

• "What's your view on bioidentical vs. synthetic hormones?"
• "Is there evidence for different outcomes between them?"
• "What should I know about compounded hormones?"

Questions about risks and benefits

Understanding the evidence

• "What does current research say about HRT safety?"
• "How have recommendations changed since the Women's Health Initiative?"
• "What are the main risks I should understand?"

Personalizing risk assessment

• "Given my specific health history, what are my individual risks?"
• "How do my risks compare to the general population?"
• "Are there factors that would make HRT inadvisable for me?"

Weighing the decision

• "What happens if I don't treat my symptoms?"
• "Are there non-hormonal alternatives I should try first?"
• "How do you help patients decide whether HRT is worth it for them?"

Questions about starting HRT

Practical details

• "What amount would you start with?"
• "How long before I might notice improvement?"
• "What side effects should I expect initially?"

Monitoring

• "What follow-up appointments will I need?"
• "What symptoms should prompt me to call you?"
• "How will we know if the amount needs adjusting?"

Tracking progress

• "Should I track my symptoms while starting HRT?"
• "What changes should I be looking for?"
• "How do we decide if it's working?"

Questions about ongoing HRT management

Adjustments

• "How often should we reassess my HRT?"
• "What would indicate I need an amount change?"
• "Can I adjust timing or delivery method later?"

Duration

• "How long is HRT typically continued?"
• "What's involved in stopping HRT?"
• "Will my symptoms return when I stop?"

Long-term considerations

• "Should I have any regular screenings while on HRT?"
• "How does HRT interact with other medications or supplements I use?"
• "What new research should I be aware of?"

Preparing for your appointment

Bring your tracking data

If you've been logging symptoms, bring:

• Pattern summary (which symptoms, how often, severity)
• Cycle data if still menstruating
• Sleep disruption frequency
• Impact on daily life

Write down your priorities

• Which symptoms bother you most?
• What quality-of-life improvements matter most to you?
• What concerns do you have about HRT?

Note your history

• Current medications and supplements
• Relevant family history (blood clots, breast cancer, heart disease)
• Previous hormone treatments and results

FAQ: What if my doctor dismisses my concerns?

Your symptoms are real and deserve attention. If you feel dismissed:

• Bring documented tracking data showing pattern and severity
• Ask directly: "What would you recommend for these symptoms?"
• Consider seeking a menopause specialist if needed

FAQ: Should I request specific tests?

You can ask about:

• Hormone level testing (though levels fluctuate in perimenopause)
• Baseline health screenings
• Tests relevant to your individual risk factors

What this page is / isn't

This page helps you prepare questions for an HRT consultation. It does not provide medical advice or recommend whether you should use HRT. Hormone therapy decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare provider based on your individual situation.