Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores hormones that fall with age, menopause or andropause. Treated correctly, it relieves symptoms such as hot flushes, poor sleep, low mood and low libido, and can protect bone health. At Charisma, HRT starts only after blood tests and a doctor consultation, and continues with regular monitoring.
Why Choose Charisma for HRT
- Testing before treatment — full hormone panels and safety bloods.
- Programmes for women and men — menopause, perimenopause and low testosterone.
- Choice of delivery — gels, patches, creams and injections.
- Lowest effective dose — adjusted with follow-up every 3 to 6 months.
- Whole-health support — nutrition, sleep and lifestyle guidance alongside hormones.
What Is HRT?
HRT replaces hormones the body no longer makes in sufficient amounts. In women this is mainly estrogen, with progesterone to protect the womb, and sometimes testosterone. In men it is usually testosterone. Thyroid and other hormones are treated when tests show a need.
HRT for Women: Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause can start in the early 40s with irregular cycles, mood changes and poor sleep. Menopause brings hot flushes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, joint aches and brain fog. HRT is the most effective treatment for these symptoms and reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
HRT for Men: Andropause and Low Testosterone
Testosterone falls gradually from middle age. Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, low libido, loss of muscle, weight gain and low mood. When blood tests confirm low levels with symptoms, testosterone therapy may be offered.
Bioidentical vs Synthetic Hormones
- Body-identical hormones — estradiol, micronised progesterone and testosterone with the same structure as human hormones, available as regulated products.
- Synthetic hormones — similar but chemically different molecules used in some older preparations.
Charisma favours regulated body-identical hormones where suitable.
Hormones We Work With
- Estradiol — relieves menopausal symptoms and supports bone.
- Progesterone — protects the womb lining and can aid sleep.
- Testosterone — energy, libido and muscle in men and some women.
- DHEA — selected cases with low levels.
- Thyroid hormones — when thyroid function is low.
Hormone Testing Before HRT
Tests may include estradiol, FSH, LH, progesterone, total and free testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, thyroid function, blood count, liver and lipid profile, and PSA in men. Results, symptoms and medical history together decide whether HRT is suitable.
Delivery Methods
- Transdermal gels and patches — steady absorption with a lower clot risk than oral estrogen.
- Creams — including vaginal estrogen for local symptoms.
- Injections — common for testosterone in men.
- Oral tablets — for some hormones.
HRT Risks and the Breast Cancer Question
Current evidence shows that for most women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits of HRT outweigh the risks. Combined estrogen and progestogen therapy carries a small increase in breast cancer risk with long-term use, which your doctor discusses in context. Transdermal estrogen has a lower clot risk than tablets. Women with a history of breast cancer, clots or certain liver diseases need specialist assessment.
Who Needs HRT?
- Hot flushes and night sweats.
- Irregular cycles and mood changes — in perimenopause.
- Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
- Low libido, fatigue and muscle loss — in men with low testosterone.
- Sleep problems and brain fog linked to hormonal change.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
Patients are reviewed after the first 3 months and then every 6 to 12 months, with blood tests as needed to adjust the dose and check safety.
HRT in Dubai & Abu Dhabi
Charisma offers HRT consultations and monitoring at its Dubai and Abu Dhabi clinics.
HRT Cost in Dubai
Cost includes the consultation, laboratory tests, the hormone product and follow-ups, and depends on the type and delivery method. Your doctor explains the expected monthly cost after testing.
FAQs
Is HRT safe long term?
For many patients, yes, with the lowest effective dose and regular review.
How do I know if HRT is right for me?
Symptoms, test results and medical history together guide the decision.
Does HRT affect fertility?
Testosterone therapy in men can reduce sperm production; this is discussed before starting.
At what age should I consider HRT?
Women usually consider it when perimenopausal symptoms begin; men when symptoms and low levels are confirmed.
How quickly does HRT work?
Many symptoms improve within weeks; full effect can take 3 months.