How to Find a Doctor for Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy, or HRT, is typically prescribed by a gynecologist. It is somewhat controversial because studies have shown that it can cause health problems in some women. The doctor will evaluate your health and history to make sure that HRT is right for you before prescribing it. If it is, she will prescribe the required hormones and monitor you while you are taking them. If you want to try HRT, you can take some simple steps to choose a doctor who will prescribe the therapy and monitor you for effectiveness and complications.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your regular doctor if he can recommend a gynecologist who is willing to evalute you for HRT. If possible, ask him to give you several names of potential doctors who prescribe HRT for patients.

• 2

  If your doctor isn't able to give you a referral or you want to get additional names, search the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists database to find additional doctors in your area.

• 3

  If you have insurance, go through your initial list of doctors to find out if any of them work with your insurer. Your insurance company may have an online or printed list. If they don't, call the doctors' offices and ask if they accept your particular coverage and if they are accepting new patients. This will allow you to narrow down your list.

• 4

  Call the doctors on your short list and find out how quickly you can get an appointment. Sometimes gynecologists are booked up for weeks or months in advance. If you don't want to wait that long to begin your HRT, select a doctor who can provide a more timely appointment.

• 5

  Make an appointment with your doctor of choice to be evaluated for HRT. Because this treatment is controversial because of the health risks it may cause, the doctor will weigh your medical history and current health against the potential benefits and drawbacks of HRT. If he believes it would be beneficial, he will prescribe it for you.