Can my Obgyn prescribe HRT?
An Obgyn (obstetrician-gynecologist) can prescribe hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Here are some key points about Obgyns and HRT:
What an Obgyn can prescribe
- Estrogen therapy - Obgyns commonly prescribe estrogen alone or combined estrogen-progestin therapy for menopausal women. Types of estrogen an Obgyn may prescribe include:
- Oral estrogen pills or skin patches containing estradiol or conjugated equine estrogens
- Vaginal estrogen creams, tablets or rings containing estradiol or conjugated estrogens to treat vaginal atrophy
- Testosterone therapy - Some Obgyns also prescribe testosterone products like gels, patches or pellets for women with low testosterone levels. This helps treat symptoms like low sex drive.
Obgyn HRT qualifications
An Obgyn has specialized training in:
- The female reproductive system and menopause management
- Hormone therapy including dosing, formulations and effects
- Identifying risks and benefits of HRT for the individual patient
This expertise allows an Obgyn to:
- Determine if a woman will benefit from HRT based on symptoms and medical history
- Select the most appropriate hormone therapy type and dose
- Manage ongoing follow-up and monitoring on HRT
So in many cases, an Obgyn can meet all of a woman's HRT needs.
Other considerations
In some cases, an Obgyn may refer a woman to or collaborate with:
- An endocrinologist - for women with complex pre-existing hormone imbalances
- A women’s health nurse practitioner or physician assistant - for assistance monitoring and adjusting HRT under the Obgyn's supervision
Advantages of an Obgyn prescribing HRT:
- Convenience getting both GYN care and HRT from one doctor
- No need to establish care with another specialist just for HRT
- Coordinated GYN and hormone management at the same practice
So in conclusion, most Obgyns have the expertise to prescribe hormone therapy for menopausal women. They can provide complete HRT assessment, prescribing and ongoing monitoring. This allows seamless management of both GYN and menopause care from one trusted doctor.
