The type of doctor you see for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) typically depends on your age, sex, and reasons for seeking treatment. Here are some of the most common medical specialists who prescribe HRT:
Endocrinologists - Endocrinologists are doctors who specialize in hormones and the endocrine system. They are experts in managing hormone imbalances and replacement therapy for conditions like hypothyroidism, early menopause, or low testosterone. Endocrinologists can provide comprehensive HRT regimens and closely monitor your hormone levels.
Gynecologists - Gynecologists focus on women's reproductive health. They commonly prescribe HRT for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women to treat hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, and other menopausal symptoms. Gynecologists can offer feminizing hormone therapy for transgender patients as well.
Urologists - Urologists specialize in the urinary tract and male reproductive system. They may manage testosterone replacement therapy for men with low testosterone (hypogonadism). Urologists have significant expertise in masculinizing hormone treatment for transgender men.
Primary care doctors - Primary care physicians like family doctors or internists can also prescribe hormone therapy. They may coordinate care with a specialist. They typically manage long-term HRT and preventive care for patients already diagnosed with a hormone disorder.
The type of hormones and delivery methods prescribed depends on the reasons for treatment:
- Menopausal HRT helps relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and emotional changes associated with estrogen loss during perimenopause and menopause. Systemic estrogen therapy can be given as pills, skin patches, gels or sprays. Localized vaginal estrogen creams treat urogenital tissues. Progestogens may be included to prevent uterine cancer if the uterus is still intact.
- Androgen replacement, like testosterone products, is used to treat hypogonadism or testosterone deficiency in males. Testosterone is crucial for muscle mass, bone density, sexual function, energy and mood in men. Testosterone can be given through injections, skin gels/solutions, patches or pellets placed under the skin.
- Gender-affirming hormone therapy helps transgender individuals develop physical sex characteristics aligned with their gender identity. For transgender women (male-to-female), this involves estrogen pills/patches and anti-androgens to suppress testosterone. For transgender men (female-to-male), testosterone administration aids masculinization. Monitoring by an endocrinologist is vital to safe administration.
Several factors determine the right hormonal therapy, including lab work, medical history, existing conditions, risk factors and personal preferences. Follow-up doctor visits are needed to assess the treatment plan and adjust dosages to reach optimal hormone levels while minimizing side effects. Speak to your doctor about finding the right hormone therapy specialist for your needs.
For those seeking experienced care,
Wellness Hormone Clinic offers state-of-the-art hormone replacement therapy under top endocrinologists. At Wellness Hormone Clinic, your HRT is tailored with cutting-edge hormone testing. We use the latest bioidentical hormones to enhance results. Our personalized programs target menopausal,
andropause or transgender transitions. Contact us today to start your journey towards balanced hormones and wellbeing.
