Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team — July 2026.
Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) can be an effective option for treating perimenopause and menopause symptoms. If MHT is right for you, it will be individualized to your health, symptoms, and lifestyle.
We’ve suggested questions you may wish to ask your menopause specialist or other healthcare provider about MHT. We recommend making a separate appointment from your annual exam to have a focused conversation about your symptoms.
Types of MHT
- Am I a candidate for MHT based on my age, symptoms, and health and family history? If not, what are my options for non-hormone medicines or treatments?
- What type(s) of MHT do you recommend for me?
- What are the pros and cons of the different forms available?
- How do I use this form of MHT, and how often?
- If I take systemic MHT, can I also use vaginal estrogen?
- Can I use vaginal estrogen that does not contain progesterone?
- How does MHT differ from birth control hormones I may already take?
Benefits
- How well can I expect MHT to help with my specific symptoms?
- How long does it take to get relief from symptoms?
- Does MHT have other benefits outside of symptom relief?
Risks and cautions
- What risks come with MHT, in my case?
- Can you put any risks into perspective? For example, how does this risk compare with the risk if I were not on MHT?
- Is there anything I can do to lower my risk?
- What side effects can happen, and how can I ease them?
Broader care plan
- How long should I be on this therapy? If my symptoms improve, can I stop taking MHT?
- What should I do if my symptoms worsen or new ones start?
- What other lifestyle changes and/or treatments can I use along with MHT?
- When should I follow up with you?
Alternatives to MHT
- What medicine, supplements, or lifestyle changes can I try instead?
Tips for talking with your provider
Your time with your provider may be limited, and they may share a lot of information. It’s always OK to ask them to explain something again if anything wasn’t clear. And it can be helpful to repeat back what your provider said in your own words to be sure you’ve got it.
Your Progyny Care Advocate is here to offer support and help you prepare for your provider visits. You can also ask us to recommend websites and information to help you manage this transition.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.