Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) & Why I Chose to Start

After struggling with menopause symptoms, the author turned to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for support. Working with a menopause specialist, she developed a personalized plan including progesterone and estrogen to address sleep, mood, and energy issues. She emphasizes that HRT can complement natural wellness and encourages others to consider it.

by Lori Wesmiller, MS – Balance & Bloom 50+

Organizing medication for hormone therapy management at home.

I’m all about tuning in to what your body needs in each season of life—and after trying so many natural strategies to manage my menopause symptoms, I reached a point where I felt like I needed more support.

I wasn’t sleeping well. My motivation had dipped. My joints were achy, and I had this nagging sense that I was pushing through each day, rather than living it.

Lori wrapped in a yellow blanket, holding a tissue to her eye, expressing emotion.

Thankfully, my OB-GYN is a menopause specialist, and she really listened. We reviewed my symptoms, medical history, and lab results together. From there, she created a customized HRT plan tailored to my body’s needs and sensitivities.

We decided to begin with one 200mg progesterone capsule taken in the evening. Even though I had a hysterectomy back in 2012 and technically don’t need progesterone to protect the uterus, my doctor included it for other benefits. Specifically, it supports better sleep, eases anxiety, and helps stabilize mood swings.

Micronised progesterone soft gelatin capsules (200 mg) used in hormone replacement therapy.

Micronised progesterone soft gelatin capsules (200 mg) used in hormone replacement therapy.

After two weeks on progesterone alone, I started using a 0.0375mg estrogen patch, which I’ll change twice a week. This low-dose patch helps support energy, cognitive clarity, temperature regulation, and joint comfort, among other things.

Estradiol Transdermal Patch
Estradiol 0.0375mg Estrogen Transdermal Patch for HRT

This wasn’t an overnight decision—it was thoughtful, researched, and guided by a specialist. And I want other women to know: exploring HRT doesn’t mean you’re “giving up” on natural wellness. For many of us, it’s part of the picture of balanced, thriving health.

Disclaimer: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any hormone therapy regimen—whether medicinal or natural. HRT is not one-size-fits-all. A trained provider can help you make the most informed and safe choice based on your unique health history and symptoms.

I’ll be keeping you updated on how this HRT journey unfolds, both here and over on my socials. If you have any questions about my path so far or are just curious about what it’s really like to start HRT, I’m always happy to share more. You’re not alone in this season—we’re blooming through it together.

Are you taking HRT for perimenopause or menopause symptoms? If so, what has your experience been?

Happy blooming beauties!

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Author: Lori Wesmiller, MS

🌸 Hi, I’m Lori Wesmiller, MS — mental health therapist, wellness advocate, and founder of Balance & Bloom 50+. I created this space for women navigating perimenopause, menopause, and midlife transitions who are craving clarity, calm, and real support for the emotional and physical shifts that come with this season. In my 50s, I’ve faced the fog — anxiety, mood swings, hormone chaos, sleep struggles, and digestive issues (gluten-free for life!). But I’ve also discovered that midlife isn’t the end of the story — it’s a powerful new chapter when you have the right tools and support. With a background in therapy and a personal journey through menopause, I’ve made it my mission to help women understand what’s happening in their brains and bodies — and to feel less alone in the process. 💚 What You’ll Find at Balance & Bloom 50+ This blog is a therapist-backed, judgment-free space where you’ll find: • Insight into how hormones affect mood, anxiety, and mental clarity • Support for calming your nervous system and finding emotional balance • Honest conversations about midlife identity, self-worth, and relationships • Gentle encouragement to prioritize your well-being without guilt • Tools to help you feel more like you again — confident, grounded, and empowered Aging doesn’t mean fading. It means blooming in a new way. So if you’re ready to ditch the overwhelm and show up for yourself in a deeper, more compassionate way — you’re in the right place. Let’s bloom through this, together.

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