How to Know If You Need Hormone Therapy (and What to Ask For!)

Hormones run the show behind the scenes, regulating energy, mood, sleep, weight, and even confidence. When they start to shift (especially in your 30s, 40s, or during menopause), you may feel “off” in ways that are hard to explain.

Here’s a quick guide to help you connect your symptoms to possible hormone changes, and what to ask your provider about before starting hormone therapy.

If you’re dealing with hot flashes or night sweats, ask about estrogen therapy.

Estrogen levels drop sharply in perimenopause and menopause, which can trigger sudden heat surges, disrupted sleep, and irritability. Low-dose estrogen (patch, gel, or pill) can help calm those temperature swings and stabilize mood.

If you’re tired all the time or can’t stay asleep, ask about progesterone balance.

Progesterone helps regulate your sleep cycle and reduces anxiety. Low levels can make falling or staying asleep harder, even if you feel exhausted. Restoring progesterone can improve sleep quality and calm restlessness.

If your sex drive has dropped or sex feels uncomfortable, ask about testosterone and vaginal estrogen.

Women produce testosterone too, and low levels can sap libido and energy. Low T levels can even cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal estrogen creams or inserts can restore comfort, while low-dose testosterone can help rebuild desire and vitality when medically appropriate.

If you’re experiencing brain fog, mood swings, or memory slips, ask about estrogen and thyroid testing.

Estrogen supports serotonin and brain function, while thyroid hormones affect focus and energy. Testing both gives a fuller picture, and since symptoms overlap, you can be sure you’re not treating one imbalance without checking the other.

If you’re seeing weight changes or new belly fat, ask about insulin resistance and cortisol, not just estrogen.

Midlife weight shifts often tie back to stress hormones and metabolism. Your provider can run a full panel (including cortisol and fasting insulin) to see whether stress, sleep, or thyroid issues are also contributing.

Peptide therapies like CJC-1295 + Ipamorelin have also been found to be effective in targeting hard-to-lose belly fat–especially in female patients.

If you’ve noticed irregular periods or skipped cycles, ask about perimenopause testing.

Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone can cause cycle changes long before menopause. Tracking these changes through hormone testing helps you prepare and manage symptoms early.

What to Do Next

1. Don’t guess — test. Hormonal symptoms overlap, and the only way to pinpoint the cause is with bloodwork.
2. Talk to a provider who specializes in women’s hormone health. They can interpret results and tailor your plan safely.
3. Follow up. Hormones change over time, so what works this year might need adjustment later.
4. At SynergenX, our providers specialize in individualized hormone care for men and women. We test estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid, and cortisol levels, then they work to create a plan that helps you feel balanced, focused, and confident again.

Sources

• Mayo Clinic. “Menopause Hormone Therapy: Is It Right for You?”
• North American Menopause Society (NAMS). “Understanding Perimenopause and Menopause.”
• Cleveland Clinic. “Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for Women.”