In this article, we’re going back to basics: the hormones most often compounded in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), and what each one does in the body.
BHRT prescriptions are customized to each person. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose to relieve bothersome symptoms safely. Each plan is built around a person’s symptoms, health history and lab work.
Estrogen
Estrogen is the main female sex hormone. It’s essential to the menstrual cycle, and it also supports bone density, heart and blood vessel health, joints, skin, mood and memory. When estrogen drops during menopause, many women notice hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, changes in sleep and shifts in mood.
Progesterone
Progesterone is essential for fertility and pregnancy. For women with a uterus who use estrogen, it matters even more because it protects the uterine lining from overgrowth, which lowers the risk of endometrial cancer. Many women also find it helps with restful sleep and a calmer mood. Before menopause, low progesterone in the second half of the cycle can contribute to premenstrual symptoms.
Testosterone
Testosterone isn’t only a “male” hormone. In women, it contributes to libido, sexual satisfaction and overall well-being, and it plays a role in bone and muscle. Levels fall gradually with age in both men and women, which can show up as low sex drive and less energy. The strongest evidence for testosterone therapy in women is for low sexual desire after menopause, so it’s used thoughtfully and at low doses.
DHEA
DHEA is made mostly by the adrenal glands. It’s a precursor hormone, which means the body can convert it into other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, as needed. DHEA levels decline steadily with age. Researchers have studied its possible roles in immunity, the stress response and brain health. Vaginal DHEA is also used to relieve vaginal dryness and discomfort after menopause.
Why This Matters
Hormones work together, so when one level changes, the effects can ripple across sleep, mood, energy, weight and more. After menopause, the ovaries make far less of these hormones, and the body relies more on the adrenal glands and other tissues to produce smaller amounts. That shift is a big reason so many women notice changes in how they feel as they age.
Knowing what each hormone does is the first step toward making sense of those symptoms. For many women, replacing what’s missing, at the right dose and with regular monitoring, can make a real difference in how they look and feel.
If you’re wondering whether hormone support might be right for you, we offer hormone consultations and work alongside your healthcare provider to help find a plan that fits.