Reclaiming Your Power Through Menopause and Hormone Therapy

Shakeeka Misher
Jul 1
4 min read

Updated: Jul 2

Menopause is a natural part of our journey as women but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disruptions? They’re real. And for many of us, they can shake up every part of daily life.

The good news? You don’t have to just “deal with it.” Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including bioidentical options, offers a path to restore balance, ease symptoms, and help you feel like you again.

This guide is here to help you understand how HRT works, what to consider, and how to move forward—on your terms.

What’s Actually Happening During Menopause?

Menopause officially marks the end of your reproductive years—typically around age 52—but the transition begins much earlier. As your estrogen and progesterone levels shift, your body starts sending signals. You might feel:

Hot flashes and night sweats
Mood swings or irritability
Vaginal dryness
Trouble sleeping
Brain fog or low libido

These aren’t just “aging issues” they’re hormone-related changes. And the more you understand them, the more empowered you are to take action.

Let’s Talk Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

HRT is designed to help ease the intensity of menopause symptoms by restoring the hormones your body is no longer producing in the same way.

There are two main types:

Estrogen Therapy – Often used if you’ve had a hysterectomy. It can help with hot flashes, sleep, and vaginal dryness.
Combination Therapy – Includes both estrogen and progesterone (to protect the uterus if you still have one).

At Thryva, we use bioidentical hormones when appropriate—plant-based, custom-compounded, and chemically identical to the hormones your body naturally produces.

Real Talk: The Benefits of HRT

HRT isn’t just about symptom relief—it’s about improving quality of life. Many women experience:

✅ More emotional stability – Less anxiety and fewer mood swings

✅ Better sleep – Which helps everything else feel more manageable

✅ Stronger bones – Estrogen helps protect against osteoporosis

✅ Improved sexual health – HRT can restore desire, comfort, and confidence

✅ More energy + mental clarity – No more pushing through the fog

Is HRT Right for You?

HRT can be powerful, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not be recommended if you have:

A personal history of breast cancer
Blood clotting disorders
Active liver disease
Uncontrolled high blood pressure

That’s why your provider should always take a full, individualized history and walk you through the why behind any recommendation.

Delivery Options That Fit Your Life

There’s flexibility in how you receive HRT, and we work with you to find what feels right:

Pills – Easy and familiar
Patches – Worn on the skin for steady hormone delivery
Gels/Creams – Applied topically with custom dosing
Vaginal Rings – Targeted treatment for dryness and irritation

Every option comes with its own pros and considerations—we’ll explore them together.

Understanding the Risks

We believe in full transparency. While many women do well on HRT, it’s important to talk about potential risks, including:

A slight increase in blood clot or stroke risk (particularly with oral forms)
Possible links to breast cancer (more so with long-term use of combination therapy)

That’s why monitoring and personalized care matter—we’re not just giving you a prescription; we’re walking this journey with you.

Supporting Your Body Beyond Hormones

IHRT is one piece of the puzzle. You’ll feel your best when it’s paired with other healthy habits:

✨ Move your body – Regular exercise supports mood, bones, and sleep

✨ Nourish yourself – Eat foods that fuel hormone balance and heart health

✨ Manage stress – Through breathwork, journaling, therapy, or whatever grounds you

✨ Protect your sleep – Set a sleep routine that supports deep rest

At Thryva, we believe in whole-person care—body, mind, and spirit.

Your Provider Matters—A Lot

When it comes to HRT, you need a provider who gets it. One who listens to your story, understands your symptoms, and honors your lived experience—especially as a Black woman navigating care that hasn’t always been built with you in mind.

We build personalized plans based on your labs, symptoms, goals, and values—because your wellness isn’t a template.

Progress Takes Time—and That’s Okay

Finding your balance with hormones isn’t instant. It’s a process—and we’ll adjust as your body responds. Your story is unique, and your care should reflect that.