At Emkes Health, we believe that hormone therapy should be both effective and safe. That’s why we carefully monitor your progress with regular visits and laboratory testing tailored to your needs.
Here’s what to expect when you’re on Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT):
đź©ş Initial Evaluation Before Starting MHT
Before beginning hormone therapy, we’ll perform a full health review and may recommend:
- Medical history review (including menopause symptoms, personal/family history of breast cancer, blood clots, or heart disease)
- Pelvic exam and Pap smear (if not up to date)
- Breast exam and mammogram
- Bone density scan (DEXA) — especially if you’re at risk for osteoporosis
- Baseline blood tests such as:
- Lipid panel (cholesterol levels)
- Thyroid function tests
- Blood sugar or A1C
- Liver and kidney function
- Hormone levels (in some cases — FSH, estradiol, progesterone)
🧬 Ongoing Monitoring During Hormone Therapy
Once you start MHT, we’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor your response and make any needed adjustments. Regular monitoring helps ensure your treatment remains safe, effective, and personalized.
We may recommend:
âś… Annual Exams
- Physical and pelvic exams
- Mammograms (as advised based on age and risk)
- Breast self-exam guidance
âś… Bloodwork (as needed)
- Hormone levels: Sometimes checked to evaluate treatment effectiveness (estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone in compounded therapy)
- Liver function tests: Especially for oral estrogen
- Lipids and glucose: To monitor cardiovascular and metabolic health
- Calcium & Vitamin D: Important for bone health, especially if you’re at risk for osteoporosis
⚠️ When to Contact Your Provider
While on MHT, contact us right away if you experience:
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Breast lumps or changes
- Leg swelling or pain
- Severe headaches or vision changes
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
These symptoms may need prompt evaluation.
👩‍⚕️ Your Health Is Our Priority
Hormone therapy can be life-changing for many women—but it works best with the right oversight. At Emkes Health, we provide individualized care, safe dosing, and consistent monitoring so you feel confident in your treatment plan.