Hormone Replacement Therapy Q&A: What Women Really Want to Know

At Flow Wellness, we hear the same questions every day from women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, low libido, brain fog, and fatigue can feel overwhelming—and the standard “your labs are normal” answer doesn’t help.

That’s why we specialize in personalized hormone care and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). To make things simple, we put together this Q&A with answers to the most common hormone questions women ask.

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores declining hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to healthier, balanced levels. The goal? To relieve symptoms of perimenopause and menopause such as:

• Hot flashes & night sweats

• Low libido or vaginal dryness

• Fatigue & low energy

• Mood swings & brain fog

• Midlife weight gain

At Flow Wellness, we specialize in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Unlike synthetic hormones, BHRT uses hormones chemically identical to those your body naturally produces—making them more effective and often easier to tolerate.

What’s the difference between HRT and BHRT?

• Traditional HRT may use synthetic or animal-derived hormones.

• BHRT uses plant-derived, bioidentical hormones that match your body’s own chemistry.

Many women report that BHRT feels more natural and produces fewer side effects.

Who should consider hormone therapy?

You may benefit from hormone replacement therapy if you are:

• Struggling with hot flashes or night sweats

• Experiencing low energy, mood swings, or brain fog

• Gaining weight despite healthy habits

• Feeling a drop in sex drive or intimacy

• Tired of hearing “everything looks normal” when you don’t feel normal

Is hormone replacement therapy safe?

Yes—when prescribed and monitored by experienced providers. At Flow Wellness, we use evidence-based bioidentical hormone therapy along with:

• Comprehensive lab testing

• Ongoing provider check-ins

• Lifestyle and nutrition support

This integrative approach ensures your treatment is safe, effective, and designed just for you.

Can hormone therapy help with weight loss?

Absolutely. Hormones control metabolism, fat storage, and energy use. When estrogen, progesterone, insulin, or thyroid hormones fall out of balance, weight loss becomes much harder.

With BHRT, many women find it easier to lose weight and keep it off. At Flow Wellness, we take it a step further by offering GLP-1 medical weight loss programs, nutrition coaching, and supplement support to maximize your results.

What’s different about concierge hormone care?

Traditional medical care often means:

• Rushed visits

• Basic labs only

• Focus on “managing symptoms” instead of fixing the root cause

At Flow Wellness, our concierge model gives you:

• Longer, unhurried appointments

• Advanced hormone labs beyond the basics

• Direct provider access between visits

• Personalized BHRT treatment plans

• Support for sleep, stress, nutrition, and exercise

This is whole-body hormone care, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

How long does it take to see results?

Most women feel improvements in 2–6 weeks, with full benefits around 3 months. Every body is different, which is why we track both symptoms and labs to fine-tune your treatment.

Where can I get hormone therapy in Oregon, California, or Washington?

Flow Wellness provides concierge BHRT and hormone replacement therapy across Oregon, California, and Washington. With in-person visits in Bend and Sunriver, Oregon plus telemedicine appointments, we make it easy to access expert hormone care wherever you are.

Hormone replacement therapy isn’t just about hot flashes—it’s about getting your energy back, feeling confident, sleeping better, boosting your metabolism, and thriving through midlife.

If you’re ready for personalized hormone care in Oregon, California, or Washington, the team at Flow Wellness is here to help.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.  GLP-1 weight loss medication may only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed health care provider. If your prescriber feels GLP-1 medication is right for you, obtaining a prescription is hassle-free through Flow Wellness.