HRT helps restore hormonal balance, easing symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and low libido for both men and women.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supports the body when natural hormone levels drop or become imbalanced, commonly during menopause and perimenopause, or andropause.
For women, it typically includes estrogen and progesterone to relieve symptoms like hot flashes, fatigue, mood swings, and reduced libido. For men, testosterone therapy can help with energy levels, mental clarity, and muscle maintenance. HRT also works hand in hand with our women’s sexual wellness and men’s sexual health programs.
Properly managed HRT can improve overall quality of life, restoring balance and reducing the discomfort that comes with hormonal shifts. Each treatment is tailored to individual needs and monitored closely to maintain safe, effective results. Treatment typically begins with DUTCH hormone testing to map your levels before any protocol is prescribed, and many patients add a Cleerly heart scan to check cardiovascular health as part of their baseline. Hormones are one part of our broader functional medicine approach in Studio City.
Related treatments: Functional Medicine & Testing · DUTCH Test · Cleerly Heart Scan · Peptide Therapy · Men’s Health · Women’s Health
Menopause is confirmed once you’ve gone 12 months in a row without a period. In the US, the average age is 51. The years leading up to it, called perimenopause, are usually the harder part. Perimenopause most often starts in your mid-40s, though it can begin as early as your mid-30s. It lasts about four years on average, though it can last up to eight.
During perimenopause your hormones don’t drop in a straight line. They swing up and down, which is why so many women feel off for years before their periods actually stop. If you’ve been told your labs look “normal” and to just ride it out, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to.
At TONIIK, our nurse practitioner led team sees women from Studio City, Sherman Oaks, North Hollywood, Encino, Burbank and across Los Angeles at our office on Ventura Blvd.
Hot flashes aren’t always a short phase, either. The SWAN study, which followed more than 3,000 women through midlife, found that frequent hot flashes and night sweats lasted a median of 7.4 years, and longer than that for many Black and Hispanic women. That’s a long time to just push through.
We follow the clinical guidance of The Menopause Society, and you can find us in its practitioner directory at menopause.org.
According to The Menopause Society, hormone therapy is the most effective treatment for hot flashes and night sweats, and it also helps prevent bone loss and fractures. Its 2022 position statement says that for healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of their last period, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. There are FDA-approved options for estradiol (patch, gel, spray or pill) and for progesterone. If you still have a uterus, a progestogen (usually progesterone) is part of the plan because it protects the lining of the uterus. Learn more on our hormone replacement therapy page.
Low-dose vaginal estrogen treats dryness, painful sex and some urinary symptoms right where they happen. The Menopause Society notes it can be used at any age and for as long as it’s needed.
Not everyone can take hormones, and some women simply prefer not to. The FDA has approved two non-hormonal prescriptions made specifically for hot flashes: fezolinetant (Veozah) in 2023 and elinzanetant (Lynkuet) in 2025. We also help with the basics that make a real difference, like sleep, nutrition, strength training and bone health.
Testosterone gets a lot of attention online. The 2019 Global Consensus Position Statement found that the one use for testosterone in women backed by solid evidence is low sexual desire that causes distress in postmenopausal women. When it’s appropriate, it should be dosed to keep levels within the normal premenopausal range and monitored. Libido and comfort concerns are also covered in our women’s sexual wellness program.
A lot of women avoided hormones for two decades because of fears that came out of the Women’s Health Initiative study in 2002. Later research showed that age and timing matter a great deal, which is why today’s guidelines look so different.
In November 2025, the FDA announced it would remove the broad boxed warnings from menopausal hormone therapy products, and it approved the first updated labels in February 2026. The boxed warning about endometrial cancer stays on systemic estrogen-only products, which is exactly why women with a uterus also take a progestogen.
Hormone therapy still isn’t right for everyone. A history of certain cancers, blood clots, stroke or liver disease can change the picture, so we go through your history carefully before recommending anything.
Related: DUTCH Test · Functional Medicine & Specialty Testing · Women’s Sexual Wellness
Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment used to supplement or replace hormones that are deficient or imbalanced in the body, typically estrogen and/or progesterone in women and testosterone in men.
HRT is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. It can also be used to treat symptoms of androgen deficiency in men, such as low libido, fatigue, and muscle loss.
A menopause specialist focuses on the symptoms and health changes that come with perimenopause and menopause, like hot flashes, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness and bone health. They help you sort through hormone and non-hormone treatments and adjust your plan over time.
The most common early sign is a change in your cycle: periods that come closer together, further apart, or heavier or lighter than usual. Hot flashes, night sweats, poor sleep and mood changes often show up around the same time. Most women notice it in their 40s, but it can start in the mid-30s.
Usually not. Perimenopause is diagnosed from your symptoms, age and history, because hormone levels swing too much during this stage for one test to be reliable. Labs are still useful to rule out other causes, such as thyroid problems, and to set a baseline before treatment.
HRT can be administered in various forms, including pills, patches, creams, gels, injections, and implants. The specific type of HRT prescribed will depend on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and preferences.
For most healthy women under 60, or within 10 years of their last period, The Menopause Society says the benefits of hormone therapy generally outweigh the risks. It isn’t right for everyone, especially women with a history of certain cancers, blood clots or stroke, so the decision is made with your full health history in mind. For men, testosterone therapy is prescribed only after labs confirm a deficiency, and it is monitored with regular follow-up labs.
Starting before 60, or within 10 years of menopause, has the most favorable balance of benefits and risks. Starting later needs a closer look at your heart and clot risk. If you’re already on hormone therapy, The Menopause Society says there’s no need to stop automatically at 60 or 65.
Candidates for hormone replacement therapy are typically individuals experiencing symptoms of hormone deficiency or imbalance, such as menopausal symptoms in women or androgen deficiency in men. However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for HRT, so it’s important to undergo a thorough evaluation and discuss potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider.
There are FDA-approved non-hormonal prescriptions for hot flashes, including fezolinetant (Veozah) and elinzanetant (Lynkuet). Low-dose vaginal estrogen is also an option for many women who can’t take systemic hormones, but that depends on your history. We’ll go through what fits you.
Bioidentical means the hormone is chemically the same as the one your body makes. Several FDA-approved products are bioidentical, including estradiol and micronized progesterone. Custom compounded hormones are not FDA-approved, and The Menopause Society recommends FDA-approved products for most women because their dosing and purity are regulated.
The duration of hormone replacement therapy varies depending on the individual’s symptoms, medical history, and treatment goals. Some individuals may require short-term treatment to manage acute symptoms, while others may benefit from long-term maintenance therapy. It’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate duration of treatment.
Common side effects of hormone replacement therapy may include breast tenderness, bloating, mood swings, headaches, and nausea. More serious side effects, such as an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, or cancer, are less common but possible and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Hormone replacement therapy is not intended to enhance fertility and may actually suppress ovarian function in women. It’s important for individuals who wish to conceive to discuss fertility concerns with their healthcare provider before starting HRT.
Hormone levels should be monitored regularly during hormone replacement therapy to ensure they are within the desired range and to adjust treatment as needed. The frequency of monitoring will depend on the type of HRT used, the individual’s symptoms, and their response to treatment.
Tap Apply Now on this page to schedule online, or call us at 818-436-6386. Our office is at 12210 Ventura Blvd in Studio City.
MJ and the entire Tonik team have been absolutely incredible! They’ve helped me identify exactly what was missing for me to truly feel my best and have supported me in getting my thyroid and gut health back into balance. They’re so attentive and thorough, even with me being out of state, and I’ve felt so cared for throughout the entire process. I’m beyond grateful I found them! ❤️
Daron P., 2 months ago
You just don’t get care like this at a gp appointment. This is hyper focused, incredibly personal, and wildly educational. You learn things about your unique needs that have been shrouded in mystery and vague ideas your whole life and it’s super empowering to be given that intel so freely and compassionately. MJ is the best at what she does and everyone in the office is super sweet, warm, and professional. If you’re looking for functional care this is your place!
Nicole L., 3 months ago
My virtual visit with MJ was everything I was hoping for and more! From the moment I scheduled my appointment, her staff was incredibly kind, responsive, and supportive. They guided me through every step of the process, stayed in touch, answered all of my questions, and made sure I felt comfortable before my visit even began. During my appointment, I truly felt heard—especially because I can talk a lot!
Lazara Q., 3 months ago
This is long over due and MJ deserves more than 5 stars. She has been amazing for the past few years ever since I found her on IG. I've had laser treatments, peels and she provided me with the most amazing skin care that have helped keep my melasma away. I started with the sunscreen which I do apply every 2 hrs when I'm outside or on vacation.
Mely R., a year ago
I have been working with MJ on a weight management plan for the past three months. Despite my efforts to exercise and eat healthily, I struggled to lose weight. We conducted blood work to check my hormones, and based on the results, we made some adjustments, including adding vitamins. MJ also started me on semaglutide. The process has been gradual, but I’ve lost a total of 17 pounds. MJ helped me develop better eating habits, and I feel amazing!
Lynette M., 2 years ago
I Have finally found my aesthetics person! MJ is amazing. I’ve never had someone explain so much and in detail. I feel like she cares and definitely has a great hand. No bruising or painful.
Sandra S., 3 weeks ago
I cannot love MJ more!! I feel so safe and comfortable in her care. She’s constantly concerned with making you feel beautiful while being sure you don’t ever do too much or too little. She’s got great touch and is always learning about the newest and best treatments in the industry. So thankful for her and for the whole fabulous crew at Tonik!! Thank you for taking care of me
Jennifer B., a month ago
Obsessed !!!! MJ and her team are the best!!! So grateful to have come across them. My skin has never looked better.
Marisa B., a month ago
went in today for my Dysport treatment and the entire experience was fantastic from start to finish. MJ is literally the cutest, and I mean that in every way — from her sweet, welcoming personality to the genuine care she puts into her work. She took the time to understand exactly what I wanted and made me feel completely comfortable throughout. Her technique was precise and gentle, and I finally feel like I’ve found my go-to nurse!
Michelle G., 2 months ago
"MJ is an absolute pleasure to work with. She was incredibly flexible in accommodating my schedule, which I truly appreciated. She took the time to really listen to my concerns and offered thoughtful, personalized recommendations without ever making me feel rushed. Her professionalism, knowledge, and genuine care made for such a positive experience. Thank you!"
Michelle D., 2 months ago
I had my CO2 laser treatment at Toniik today and had such a great experience! MJ made me feel completely relaxed and comfortable throughout the entire process. I’m already super excited to see my results. I truly love this place — everyone that works here are incredibly sweet and welcoming. The space itself is trendy, cute. I always enjoy coming here and highly recommend Toniik! Love you MJ see you soon
Natalie J., 5 months ago
I’m so grateful to have found Toniik! My best friend referred me and I will forever be a customer! I suffer from a rare condition called dystonia (cervical dystonia) which affects the muscles in my neck… I can’t control my neck movements, which can cause my neck to essentially have a mind of its own. I was in complete spasm before seeing MJ.
Veena W., 5 months ago
