Hormone Replacement Therapy in Alamo Ranch and Spring Branch, TX
Mercy Wellness Clinic offers individualized hormone replacement therapy for women experiencing hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and other symptoms related to perimenopause and menopause. HRT consultations are available at our Spring Branch and Alamo Ranch clinics, with gynecological care available from Dr. Adrian Simien, DO, at Alamo Ranch.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy, commonly called HRT, is a treatment used to help manage symptoms caused by changing hormone levels during perimenopause and menopause. By supplementing hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, HRT may help reduce hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and other symptoms that can affect daily life.
Because every patient’s symptoms, health history, and goals are different, hormone therapy should be personalized. Your Mercy Wellness provider will evaluate your needs, discuss the potential benefits and risks, and determine whether HRT is an appropriate option for you.
Ready to talk with a provider about your symptoms?
Call Mercy Wellness Clinic at 830-438-9300 to schedule an HRT consultation.
Symptoms Hormone Therapy May Help
Hormonal changes can affect much more than your menstrual cycle. Many women initially attribute their symptoms to stress, aging, or a lack of sleep before recognizing that perimenopause or menopause may be contributing.
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Hot flashes and night sweats
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Sleep disruption associated with nighttime symptoms
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Vaginal dryness, burning, or discomfort
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Pain or discomfort during sex
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Mood changes or irritability
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Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
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Urinary symptoms related to genitourinary syndrome of menopause
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Bone loss in appropriate candidates
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Symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, joint discomfort, anxiety, and low mood can have several possible causes. A clinical evaluation helps determine whether hormonal changes, another health condition, or a combination of factors may be involved.
Is HRT Right for You?
Hormone therapy may be considered when menopause symptoms are affecting your sleep, comfort, work, relationships, or overall quality of life.
Your provider will consider factors such as:
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Your age and stage of the menopause transition
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The type and severity of your symptoms
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Your menstrual, reproductive, and surgical history
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Whether you have a uterus
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Your personal and family history of breast or endometrial cancer
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Your history of blood clots, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, or unexplained vaginal bleeding
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Your blood pressure, current medications, and other health conditions
Hormone therapy is not appropriate for every patient. When HRT is not recommended or is not your preference, non-hormonal treatment options may still provide meaningful symptom relief.
Types of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is available in several forms. The right option depends on the symptoms being treated and your health history. Your provider will explain which options Mercy Wellness Clinic offers and which approach best matches your symptoms and medical needs.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones naturally produced by the body. Many FDA-approved hormone therapy products are bioidentical and are available as patches, gels, oral medications, and vaginal treatments.
Compounded bioidentical hormones, including many pellet therapies, are custom-prepared by a compounding pharmacy. These products are not reviewed by the FDA in the same way as approved medications. Your provider can explain the differences between FDA-approved and compounded options, including their potential benefits, limitations, and risks.​
Systemic Estrogen Therapy
Systemic hormone therapy circulates throughout the body and is commonly used to treat hot flashes, night sweats, and other widespread menopause symptoms. It may be delivered through:
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Skin patches
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Gels or sprays
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Oral medications
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Hormone pellets, when clinically appropriate and available​​​​​​​
Estrogen and Progesterone Therapy
Women who have a uterus generally need progesterone or another progestogen along with systemic estrogen to help protect the uterine lining. Estrogen-only therapy may be appropriate for women who do not have a uterus.
Local Vaginal Hormone Therapy
Low-dose vaginal estrogen is designed primarily to treat vaginal dryness, burning, discomfort during sex, and certain urinary symptoms. Options may include creams, tablets, inserts, or rings.
What to Expect at Your HRT Consultation
Your first visit is an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, goals, and concerns. Your provider will review:
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Your current symptoms and how they affect daily life
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Your menstrual and reproductive history
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Your personal and family health history
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Current medications and prior hormone treatment
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Blood pressure and relevant preventive screenings
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Your preferences regarding hormonal and non-hormonal treatment
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HRT is usually selected based on symptoms and medical history rather than a single hormone test. Because hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, laboratory testing is not always needed to diagnose the transition or begin treatment. Your provider may recommend testing when it would help rule out another cause of your symptoms, such as thyroid disease, anemia, or a metabolic condition.
If hormone therapy is appropriate, your provider will explain how to use it, what changes to watch for, and when to return. Follow-up visits allow your provider to assess symptom improvement, side effects, bleeding changes, and whether the dose or formulation should be adjusted.
HRT Care at Both Mercy Wellness Clinic Locations
18568 Forty-Six Parkway #3001, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Our primary care providers evaluate menopause symptoms and manage appropriate hormone and nonhormonal treatment as part of comprehensive ongoing care.
11911 Culebra Road #107, San Antonio, TX 78253
Our Alamo Ranch team provides primary care and women’s health services. Patients who need gynecological evaluation can also see Dr. Adrian Simien at this location.
Gynecological and Hormonal Care with Dr. Adrian Simien
Patients at our Alamo Ranch clinic can receive gynecological care from Adrian Simien, DO, a board-certified OB/GYN whose clinical focus includes preventive women’s health, hormonal health, chronic pelvic pain, endometriosis, birth control management, and minimally invasive robotic surgery.
Dr. Simien can evaluate perimenopause and menopause symptoms in the broader context of your gynecological health, including abnormal bleeding, pelvic symptoms, contraceptive needs, and other concerns that may require a gynecological assessment.
Learn more about Dr. Simien’s experience and approach to women’s health.
Ready to Schedule an Appointment?
Call 830-438-9300 to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About HRT
Find answers to common questions about hormone replacement therapy, including safety, testing, treatment timing, and what to expect from care at Mercy Wellness Clinic.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
Hormone therapy is considered safe and effective for many appropriately selected patients, but it is not risk-free. Your age, timing of menopause, health history, type of hormone, dose, and delivery method all affect the risk-benefit balance. A provider should review your individual factors before treatment.
How long does HRT take to work?
Some patients notice improvement in hot flashes and night sweats within a few weeks, although full improvement and dose adjustment may take longer. Your response depends on the symptom being treated and the formulation used.
Do I need hormone testing before starting HRT?
Not always. Perimenopause is often identified from symptoms, menstrual changes, age, and medical history. Hormone levels can fluctuate significantly, so testing may not provide a clear answer. Your provider may order tests when another condition needs to be ruled out.
Can I use HRT if I am still having periods?
Hormone treatment may be considered during perimenopause, but the treatment plan may differ for someone who is still menstruating or needs contraception. Your provider will recommend an approach based on your cycle, symptoms, pregnancy risk, and health history.
Does Mercy Wellness Clinic accept insurance for HRT visits?
Mercy Wellness Clinic accepts most major insurance plans. Coverage for consultations, testing, and prescriptions varies by plan. Call 830-438-9300 to verify your benefits.
Where is HRT available?
HRT consultations are available through Mercy Wellness Clinic in Spring Branch and Alamo Ranch. Gynecological care with Dr. Adrian Simien is available at the Alamo Ranch clinic.
You do not have to manage disruptive symptoms on your own.
Call Mercy Wellness Clinic at 830-438-9300 to schedule an evaluation.