Hormone Therapy Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Adjust
Most hormone therapy side effects resolve within weeks or with a dose or route adjustment. Knowing what to expect prevents unnecessary discontinuation.
Expected early side effects
Estrogen: breast tenderness, mild fluid retention, nausea (with oral formulations), and irregular bleeding in the first 3–6 months. Progesterone: mild drowsiness (why we dose at bedtime), transient mood changes. Testosterone in men: acne, mild fluid retention, mood elevation.
Nearly all of these settle by 8–12 weeks or resolve after a route or dose adjustment.
Red flags — contact your clinician
New unilateral leg swelling or pain, sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, severe migraine with visual changes, new breast lump, or heavy or persistent unexpected vaginal bleeding require immediate assessment.
Book a follow-up if concerned
Ready to discuss hormone therapy? Book an initial hormone therapy consultation or a perimenopause / menopause appointment, or contact us via our booking page.
Frequently asked questions
Will HRT make me gain weight?+
No — long-term evidence shows HRT does not cause weight gain and may reduce menopausal central weight gain.
Will I bleed on HRT?+
Cyclic regimens produce planned bleeding; continuous regimens aim for amenorrhea but may have breakthrough bleeding in the first 3–6 months.