Signs HRT Is Not Working & What To Do About It
Signs HRT Is Not Working & What To Do About It
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps balance hormone levels in people experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep issues. But how do you know HRT is not working? It’s important to recognize these signs early to ensure you’re getting the best results. In this blog post, we’ll discuss common signs that HRT might not be effective, why this happens, and what you can do about it.
What Are the Signs HRT Is Not Working?
When you begin HRT, you expect relief from symptoms caused by hormonal changes. However, sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Let’s look at some of the signs HRT is not working:
1. Persistent Symptoms
If you’ve been using HRT for a while but still have hot flashes, mood swings, or trouble sleeping, it may mean the treatment isn’t working as well as it should. Many people wonder, “How long after starting HRT do you feel a difference?” Typically, it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to see improvements.
2. Weight Gain or Fluid Retention
If you’re gaining weight or retaining fluid even after starting HRT, this could be another sign something isn’t right. Symptoms of too much bioidentical progesterone or estrogen imbalances might cause this. Adjusting the treatment could help resolve these issues.
3. Mood Swings or Anxiety
HRT is meant to balance your hormones, which should help keep your mood steady. If you’re still feeling anxious or experiencing mood swings, it might indicate that your hormone levels aren’t where they need to be. Regular hormone testing can help ensure that your treatment is working properly.
4. Unexpected Bleeding
Light spotting can be normal on HRT, but any unexpected or heavy bleeding on HRT is a sign to talk to your doctor. Bleeding HRT symptoms should never be ignored, always logged at home and reported during appointments. Following bleeding on HRT guidelines can help ensure your treatment is safe and effective.
Why HRT Might Stop Working Over Time
While HRT can be highly effective, it doesn’t always provide consistent results over time. Hormonal needs change naturally as you age or as your body adjusts to the therapy. It’s not necessarily a matter of, “How long does it take for HRT to work?” Even if HRT was working well in the beginning, you might find that the same dosage or type of hormones no longer provides the same benefits.
This is why it’s essential to regularly review your treatment plan with your healthcare provider. Small changes in your body’s needs may require adjustments to your hormone therapy. Regular check-ins help ensure that your HRT is optimized for your current situation, allowing you to maintain the balance you’re seeking.
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What Causes HRT to Not Work Properly?
There are several reasons why you might notice signs HRT is not working. These include incorrect dosages, the wrong type of hormones, or other health-related factors. Let’s break down why your treatment may not be working as expected:
1. Incorrect Hormone Balance
Getting the right balance of hormones is crucial for HRT to be effective. If you have symptoms of too much bioidentical progesterone or not enough estrogen, your treatment might need adjusting. This is where hormone testing becomes important, as it can show whether your current therapy is on track.
2. Type of Hormone Replacement
There’s a difference between traditional HRT vs bioidentical hormones. While both are used to balance hormones, bioidentical hormones are more closely matched to what your body produces naturally. This can make them more effective for some people. However, not everyone responds to HRT the same way, so it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you.
3. Time Frame for Results
It’s normal to ask, “How long does HRT take to work?” Results vary, but most people start feeling better within 4-6 weeks. If several months go by without any improvement, it’s time to talk to your doctor and reassess the treatment plan.
4. Other Health Conditions
Health issues such as thyroid problems or insulin resistance can interfere with HRT. Regular check-ups and hormone testing can reveal if these conditions are affecting your therapy.
Lifestyle Factors That Impact HRT Effectiveness
Your lifestyle can play a major role in how well HRT works. Diet, exercise, stress levels, and sleep patterns all contribute to your body’s ability to absorb and respond to hormone therapy. If you’re noticing signs HRT is not working for you, you should double-check your self-care habits. For example, a diet lacking essential nutrients or high in processed foods can disrupt hormone balance. Similarly, chronic stress can increase cortisol levels, which may interfere with HRT’s effectiveness.
Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, managing emotional health, and adequate sleep are all key to helping HRT work optimally. Working on these areas may even reduce the need for higher hormone doses. Discuss any lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider to support your hormone therapy.
How To Track Your Symptoms
Outside of regular hormone testing, tracking your symptoms is an essential part of making sure your HRT is working effectively. Keep a journal or use a symptom-tracking app to note any changes in your mood, energy levels, sleep patterns, and physical symptoms like hot flashes or bloating. This record will help your healthcare provider adjust your treatment more accurately based on how you’re feeling.
For example, you might track how often you experience mood swings, what your sleep patterns look like, or how your energy levels fluctuate throughout the day. The more detailed your records, the better your healthcare provider can understand how your body is responding to HRT.
What To Do If You Notice the Signs HRT Is Not Working
If you suspect that your HRT isn’t working as it should, there are a few steps you can take to get back on track.
1. Consult with a Specialist
You can consult with one of our experts at Red Leaf Wellness for personalized care and treatment adjustments.
2. Reassess Your Dosage
Sometimes, the dosage might be too high or too low. If you’re noticing symptoms of too much bioidentical progesterone or feeling no difference at all, it might be time for a dosage change. We can guide you on adjusting your medication to better meet your needs.
3. Review Your Hormone Type
If you’re using synthetic hormones and not seeing results, switching to bioidentical hormones could be a good option. These hormones are identical to what your body produces naturally and may be more effective. Talk to us to see if this switch could help resolve the signs HRT is not working.
4. Monitor for Bleeding
Track any unusual bleeding and follow the bleeding on HRT guidelines. While light spotting is normal, heavy or long-lasting bleeding should be checked by your doctor. We can adjust your therapy to avoid further complications.
5. Give It Time
Patience is key when starting HRT. It’s important to know how long HRT takes to work and understand that it may take several weeks or even months to feel the full benefits. If, after three months, you still haven’t noticed any improvement, it’s worth revisiting your treatment plan with a hormone health specialist.
Can You Buy Estrogen Over the Counter in Canada?
Many people ask, “Can you buy estrogen over the counter in Canada?” The answer is no. Estrogen and other hormones used in HRT require a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Self-medicating with hormones is dangerous and can lead to serious side effects, including hormone imbalances.
RELATED: How to Get TRT in Canada
Understanding the Cost of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy in Canada
If you’re noticing signs HRT is not working and looking into other options, price is something that may influence your decision. The cost of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Canada can vary based on the type of hormones used and the length of treatment.
If you’re in the Edmonton area, Red Leaf Wellness offers competitive pricing for in person HRT in Edmonton. For those in other regions, we offer remote services with licensed specialists across Canada.
Why Choose Red Leaf Wellness for HRT Edmonton?
If you’re noticing signs that HRT is not working and live in the Canada, we at Red Leaf Wellness can help. Our team offers customized, holistic care to address your hormonal and emotional health.
For more information on hormone testing, bioidentical hormones, or other services, visit our website or book an appointment today.
What To Do If HRT Is Not Working for You
Recognizing the signs HRT is not working is the first step to improving your therapy. If you notice persistent symptoms, unexpected bleeding, or mood swings, talk to a healthcare provider who can help you adjust your treatment plan.
Our team at Red Leaf Wellness specializes in hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and is here to support you. Book an appointment today.
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Dr.Ac Lalonde 🇬🇧
“As a clinician and leader, I see myself not only as a caregiver but also as a teacher—empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to take charge of their health. By educating and guiding them, I can help transform their lives far beyond the treatment room, creating lasting wellness that they can carry with them. – Dr. Tammy Lalonde”
Caring for people is my true passion and one of life’s greatest callings. With years of experience as both a Paramedic and Acupuncturist, I’ve supported patients through obvious and invisible injuries alike. I’ve been there during moments of deep crisis—whether delivering babies in cars parked roadside, providing care at 30,000 feet aboard a domestic flight, or flying emergency medevacs over the Arabian desert. Through these experiences, I’ve learned not only how to care for those in urgent need but also how to recognize the long-term impact that lifestyle, diet, and fitness can have on overall health.
As my career has evolved, so has my focus. I now concentrate on helping more people earlier, preventing minor concerns from escalating into more complex and costly illnesses. A key part of this shift is my role in leading our Hormone Health program, which empowers patients to address hormonal imbalances that affect energy, mood, and overall well-being. This program has far-reaching impacts, not only improving individual lives but also strengthening the health of entire communities. By helping people regain balance, we’re preventing chronic diseases and fostering long-term wellness. Through a combination of my background in emergency medicine and women’s health, I offer a unique, integrative approach. I draw on the strengths of oriental medicine, along with the expertise of top practitioners, to deliver care that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit.
My academic journey has allowed me to seamlessly blend oriental medicine with Western healthcare, creating a holistic approach to patient care. My expertise lies in navigating high-stress, complex situations, and I have a deep passion for managing care and treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD—especially among Armed Forces and Emergency Services personnel. In addition to my extensive background, I have advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical, which enhances my ability to help patients achieve hormonal balance and long-term wellness. With a long-standing career spanning North America and the Middle East, I have been privileged to serve as a respected clinician, clinical educator, and fire and emergency medical dispatcher. I hold active licensure and registration with the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA), the California Acupuncture Board, and the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA). Additionally, I have served as a Board Director with the Alberta Pain Society and am a current member of the CAA Competence Committee.
Education:
- Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM), American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Traditional Chinese Medicine, American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Master of Science (MS) – Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, cum laude, South Baylo University
- Bachelor of Science (BS) – Holistic Science, South Baylo University
- Diploma – Emergency Medical Technician (Paramedic), Augustana University
Licensure
- RAc – Registered Acupuncturist of the College of Acupuncturists of Alberta (CAA)
- RH – Registered Herbalist of the Alberta Herbalists Association (AHA)
- LAc – Licensed Acupuncturist of the California Acupuncture Board
- Dipl.Ac – Diplomate of Acupuncture of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM)
Dr.Ac Lalonde 🇬🇧
CEO, Acupuncture, Herbalism
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Dr. McCarthy 🇬🇧
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been serving the communities of Ottawa and Edmonton since her graduation from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine in 2004. Her extensive background in Naturopathic Medicine has paved the way for diverse opportunities, including her involvement in the regulation of natural health products at Health Canada and her roles as a health advisor and physiology instructor at the Guanacaste Waldorf School in Costa Rica. Her current residence is in Rio Terrace, situated in the west end of Edmonton, where she lives with her husband and three children.
Dr. McCarthy’s utmost dedication lies in fostering the health and well-being of families. As a mother herself, she deeply understands the profound concern parents hold for the health of their children, and she shares the common desire of many parents to seek natural remedies and approaches. Dr. McCarthy also acknowledges the responsibility many individuals feel in providing care for their aging parents, which fuels her commitment to advocating for complementary health practices for seniors. Her extensive experience in administering Naturopathic Medicine to patients, as well as addressing the health issues of her own family, positions Dr. McCarthy to offer invaluable counsel and support.
Expanding beyond family health, Dr. McCarthy’s expertise extends to addressing a diverse range of health matters for individuals of all ages. Her particular areas of interest and proficiency encompass:
- Offering solutions for behavioural concerns in children
- Assisting seniors in achieving improved aging, increased energy, and overall well-being
- Implementing biotherapeutic drainage to reduce individuals’ toxic load
- Providing treatment for digestive ailments
- Utilizing the Bowen Technique to facilitate healing for pain and various injuries, including concussions
Dr. McCarthy’s legacy as a dedicated advocate for holistic wellness and an accomplished Naturopathic Doctor ensures that her patients receive comprehensive support and guidance towards optimal health.
Education:
- Naturopathic Doctor, Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine
Licensure:
- Registered Naturopathic Doctor, College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta
Dr. McCarthy 🇬🇧
Naturopathic Doctor
Dr. Lorraine McCarthy is a Naturopathic Doctor who has been...
Sarah Hennings 🇬🇧
“Every patient deserves a healthcare provider who listens, investigates, and treats the root cause of their concerns with compassion and expertise.” – Sarah Hennings, NP
Sarah Hennings, a dedicated Family Nurse Practitioner and graduate of Worldlink Medical’s advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) Workshop Series, lives by this mantra, which stems from her diverse healthcare background and unwavering commitment to patient-centered care. With a unique blend of experience in primary care, mental health, occupational health, and various nursing specialties, Sarah brings a holistic and collaborative approach to addressing the health needs of her patients.
Graduating from Athabasca University in 2020 with a focus on primary care for all ages, Sarah’s passion for healthcare began long before. Her journey started in 2007 when she obtained a degree in healthcare administration from the University of Calgary, followed by a supervising role in the EMS division of Capital Health, where she honed her skills in patient transport and working with PFCC.
As a Registered Nurse since 2012, Sarah has gained extensive experience in medical/surgical nursing, palliative care, addiction and mental health, home care, and long-term care. Her commitment to education led her to teach supportive living sites across Alberta about proper antipsychotic use and dementia care. Most recently, Sarah worked in acute mental health, emergency, rural, and outpost nursing in various locations throughout British Columbia, further expanding her skill set.
Sarah’s experiences in OH&S in the oilfield and primary care have sparked her interest in addressing the unique barriers men face when accessing care services and the importance of women’s health and hormone balance. She believes in getting to the root of health problems through proper investigation and personalized treatment regimens, valuing collaborative teamwork and input from various disciplines.
To further enhance her skills, Sarah has completed additional education and certifications in hormone replacement therapy, addictions, cosmetic and migraine injections with Botox and fillers, pain therapy and joint injections, emergency nursing, and occupational health. Her advanced training in Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) through Worldlink Medical’s Workshop Series has equipped her with the latest medical treatments in the prevention of chronic disease, with a hormone foundation. This knowledge allows Sarah to empower her patients with life-changing information and drive protocols and results based on academic journals and peer-reviewed content.
When not dedicating herself to her patients, Sarah is a proud mother of a 15-year-old son and an avid Edmonton Oilers fan. Together, they are learning to become pilots, showcasing Sarah’s love for travel and her commitment to personal growth alongside her professional development.
Education:
- Bachelor of Health Administration, Athabasca University
- Bachelor of Nursing, University of Calgary
- Master of Nursing, Nurse Practitioner Family of All Ages, Athabasca University
Licensure:
- NP – College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Sarah Hennings 🇬🇧
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“Every patient deserves a healthcare provider who listens, investigates, and...
Allie Kusnierczyk 🇬🇧
Allie Kusnierczyk is a passionate and dedicated Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner with a deep commitment to holistic women’s health across the lifespan. She recognizes that menopause is often poorly screened and managed in primary care and is focused on bridging this gap through personalized, evidence-based care. Allie is driven by the privilege of helping women improve their quality of life, particularly in the areas of hormone health and mental well-being.
With over 8 years of experience across diverse healthcare settings—including obstetrics, psychiatry, adult critical care, and emergency medicine—Allie’s approach is both comprehensive and integrative. She specializes in women’s health, with a particular focus on BHRT, menopause management, and mental health, especially in relation to suicidality during menopause and the perinatal period. Allie understands the physical and mental toll that unmanaged menopause can have and is committed to providing the care and support women need to navigate these challenges.
At Red Leaf Wellness, Allie is dedicated to creating individualized care plans that empower women to take control of their health. She emphasizes long-term, trusting relationships, ensuring her patients feel heard, supported, and empowered to actively participate in their care.
Outside the clinic, Allie enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, canoeing, and backcountry camping with her husband and their dogs.
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Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner Diploma – Western University, London, Ontario
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Master of Nursing – Western University, London, Ontario
- Critical Care Nursing Certification – George Brown College
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Minor in Psychology – Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario
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Nurse Practitioner – College of Nurses of Ontario
- Nurse Practitioner – College of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Allie Kusnierczyk 🇬🇧
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Allie Kusnierczyk is a passionate and dedicated Primary Health Care...
Jess Roberts 🇬🇧
“Effective patient care is built on trust, communication, and a commitment to seeing each patient as an individual with unique needs.” – Jess Roberts, Patient Care Coordinator
Jess Roberts embodies this philosophy. With several years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse and a specialized focus in OBGYN care, Jess brings a wealth of knowledge and empathy to her role as Patient Care Coordinator at Red Leaf Wellness. Her passion for holistic nutrition and women’s health has guided her work, from optimizing fertility to managing menopause. Jessica believes in blending traditional and complementary approaches to health, ensuring every patient receives personalized care that nurtures both body and mind.
Originally from England, Jess made Canada her home seven years ago. In addition to her professional pursuits, she is a devoted mother to her baby boy, Jackson, and a loving pet parent to her dog, Luna. Balancing her career and personal life has taught Jessica the importance of holistic well-being—a perspective she brings to her patient care coordination at Red Leaf Wellness.
When she’s not assisting patients, Jess enjoys exploring the latest research on holistic health and spending time outdoors with her family. Her dedication to supporting patients through their health journeys makes her a valuable part of the Red Leaf Wellness team.
Education
- Diploma in Practical Nursing
Sprott Shaw College, Kelowna
Graduated: May 2021
Licensing & Certifications
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Food Safety Certification
Jess Roberts 🇬🇧
Patient Care Coordinator
“Effective patient care is built on trust, communication, and a...
