If you’re on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you might have heard your provider suggest adding a few extra vitamins and minerals to your routine—things like magnesium, vitamin B, vitamin C, and more. These are called cofactors, and they’re super important. But what are they? And why do they help?

Let’s keep it simple.

What Are Cofactors?

Cofactors are nutrients your body needs to use hormones properly. Even if you’re getting the right amount of hormones from HRT, your body still needs certain “helpers” to actually use those hormones and make them work the way they should.

Think of cofactors like tools. Hormones are like the ingredients, but without the right tools (cofactors), your body can’t “cook up” the results you want.

Why Are Cofactors Important in HRT?

When your body gets new hormone levels—especially estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone—it has to work harder to:

• Process and balance them

• Clear out extra hormones safely

• Support healthy mood, energy, and sleep

Without the right nutrients, some people may not feel the full benefits of HRT, or they may notice side effects like fatigue, irritability, or brain fog.

Key Cofactors for HRT

Here are some of the most common and important cofactors for people on hormone therapy:

Magnesium

• Helps with sleep, muscle relaxation, and calming your nervous system

• Supports how your body uses estrogen and testosterone

• Can reduce bloating and PMS symptoms

Vitamin B Complex (especially B6, B9/folate, and B12)

• Boosts mood, energy, and focus

• Helps your liver process and clear out hormones

• Supports your nervous system and red blood cells

Vitamin C

• Supports healthy adrenal glands (which help regulate stress and hormones)

• Aids in collagen production for skin and joints

• Helps your body absorb iron and recover from stress

Vitamin D

• Supports bone health, mood, and immune function

• Helps balance estrogen and testosterone levels

• Low levels are common, especially in winter

Zinc

• Supports your immune system and skin health

• Helps with testosterone production and hormone balance

• Needed for wound healing and cell repair

Selenium

• Protects your thyroid (which controls metabolism and energy)

• Acts as an antioxidant to reduce inflammation

• Helps detoxify extra hormones in your body

Get Personalized Supplement Support

Whether you’re on HRT or just trying to support your overall health, your provider at Flow Wellness can make personalized recommendations based on your needs, symptoms, and lab results. We use Fullscript to create custom supplement plans with high-quality, practitioner-grade products you can trust.

Not sure where to start? Just ask your provider—we’re here to help you feel your best.

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.