How Different Menopause Therapies Match to Symptoms

A new study published on August 4, 2025 in BMC Women’s Health confirms what we at Yunique Medical have always known: the most effective menopause care comes from precision and a comprehensive view of biology. Only when genetics, labs, and multi-omics are taken into account can interventions be matched to deliver results.

Over the years, different forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been introduced, along with non-hormonal approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants. In this study, more than 3,000 women completed a symptom checklist that revealed how each treatment delivered relief across four domains: vasomotor, psychosocial, physical, and sexual.

The findings provide one of the clearest maps to date for matching the right therapy to the right symptoms — evidence that precision is not just a philosophy, but a clinical necessity.

Which HRT Works Best for Which Menopause Symptom?

The study confirmed what clinicians often see in practice:

• Transdermal HRT: Delivered the strongest and broadest relief, especially for hot flashes and physical complaints
• Oral HRT: Provided benefit, but effects were less consistent across domains
• Vaginal HRT: Stood out for sexual health, offering the most targeted improvement in libido and dryness
• Testosterone: Contributed meaningfully to both sexual and physical symptoms, though long-term safety data remain limited

The study also made it clear that antidepressants shouldn’t be the default answer for menopause psychosocial symptoms.

They have a place when true depression is involved or when HRT isn’t safe, but they are not first-line care for mood changes in menopause. Too many women report being handed a prescription for antidepressants instead of having HRT discussed, and that mismatch fuels dissatisfaction with care.

The evidence points to HRT or CBT as the starting point, with CBT also showing benefits for anxiety, low mood, and even hot flashes.

Does HRT Affect Everyone Differently?

Yes, it does. Hormone therapy isn’t a one-size solution because every body processes it differently. Genetics, liver function, cardiovascular health, even how your receptors respond to estrogen all change the outcome. What brings quick relief for one woman might barely register for another.

And in some cases, you may even wonder: can HRT make you feel worse before better?

It’s the same principle. Side effects or an adjustment period can happen, but it depends entirely on how your body responds.

The new study shows averages — transdermal HRT working best for hot flashes, CBT for mood, vaginal HRT and testosterone for sexual health.

Useful patterns, but they’re still averages. No chart can tell you exactly how your body will respond.

That’s why we don’t guess at Yunique Medical. We start with labs, genetics, and multi-omics to see where your system stands. Only then can a plan be built that fits your biology, not just the population trend.

How Does Testosterone Fit Into Menopause Care?

Testosterone showed strong results in the study for both physical symptoms and sexual health. Women reported better energy, less physical discomfort, and improved libido when testosterone was part of their plan.

But here’s the problem: most testosterone products are designed for men.

That means dosing can push women into unsafe ranges, and we still don’t have long-term safety data. It’s promising, but it’s also a space where science hasn’t caught up to real-world needs.

Guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) already recommend testosterone as a second-line option for women with low libido when HRT alone doesn’t help.

Testosterone can be part of menopause care, but it requires careful monitoring and a provider who knows how to track it.

Why Are Doctors Reluctant to Prescribe HRT?

Two decades ago, the Women’s Health Initiative sent shockwaves through medicine with warnings about cancer and cardiovascular risk. The data were messy and often misinterpreted, but the fear stuck.

Many physicians never moved past it, even as new research showed HRT can be safe and effective when it’s matched to the right client.

The fallout is uneven care.

One doctor prescribes confidently, another avoids HRT altogether, and a third only offers compounded hormones. The same symptoms, three very different answers.

The new study puts evidence back on the table. It shows exactly where HRT helps, where it doesn’t, and why treatment should be tailored instead of avoided. The science is clear. What’s missing is the willingness to bring it into practice.

Precision Is the Only Way Forward

If you’re weighing HRT, don’t let mixed messages or outdated fears make the decision for you. The best path forward is a clear conversation with your doctor. Lay out every symptom you’re experiencing, from hot flashes to mood changes to sexual health. That full picture is what guides the choice between transdermal, oral, vaginal, or a non-hormonal approach like CBT. The goal isn’t just symptom control — it’s matching therapy to your biology and your long-term health.

Building Your Plan With Yunique Medical

Our focus is helping you move from uncertainty to clarity. We use labs, genetics, and multi-omics to show how your system is operating today, then build a plan around what your body can actually respond to.

That means fewer blind spots, fewer wasted months, and a clear path toward therapies that align with your health and longevity.

Schedule a consultation to take the first step toward a personalized plan built on evidence.

Our Services

We offer a wide range of services to support your wellness journey, including:

• Hormone Optimization
• Infusion Therapy
• Weight Loss Programs
• Cellular & Functional Medicine
• Precision Longevity
• HeartFit Program
• Sexual Enhancement
• Peptide Therapy
• HOCATT Biohacking

Our Locations

You can find us here:

• Port Orange, FL
• Lady Lake, FL (formerly Fruitland Park Office)
• Ocala, FL