Traditional HRT and Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy®
Women’s hormone therapy is complex, and the needs of each woman vary throughout her life. For many women, menopause and perimenopause can bring uncomfortable symptoms and long-term health considerations that impact quality of life. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is one tool that can support women during these transitions, and today, there are more options available, including both traditional HRT and Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy® (PHRT®).
At Westmoreland Pharmacy, we work with both patients and healthcare providers to support individualized hormone therapy plans. As a certified Physiologic Restoration pharmacy and member of the Women’s Hormone Network (WHN), we are proud to offer education, compounding expertise, and collaboration for women seeking personalized hormone care.
Explore the differences between Traditional HRT and Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy, not as competing options, but as two valid clinical options depending on a woman’s goals, symptom presentation, and provider guidance.
How Did We Get Here? The History of Estrogen Fear
For decades, conversations surrounding women’s hormone therapy have been influenced by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study published over twenty years ago, which initially reported a small increase in breast cancer risk among women using certain hormone therapies. Later reviews identified major flaws in the study, including the use of synthetic, non-bioidentical hormones and methodology concerns. Despite corrections, the fear surrounding estrogen remained.
This fear shaped a generation of prescribing practices, often favoring very low estrogen doses or avoiding estrogen therapy altogether. As a result, many women were left without support for symptoms that affected sleep, cognition, bone density, heart health, skin integrity, vaginal comfort, and libido.
Since that time, growing research has continued to recognize the important role of hormones in supporting whole-body health, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Many providers today use bioidentical hormones and individualized dosing to help women achieve better symptom relief and long-term wellness support.
Traditional HRT: A Well-Established Option
Traditional hormone replacement therapy typically involves static dosing, where estrogen (and progesterone when indicated) is taken daily at a consistent dose. For many women, this approach provides meaningful relief from menopause-related symptoms and is widely used in clinical practice.
Traditional HRT is helpful for many women, particularly those whose treatment goals focus on comfort, symptom relief, or enhanced daily well-being. Westmoreland Pharmacy continues to support providers and patients who choose this method, offering custom-compounded formulations to meet individual dosing, delivery method, and sensitivity needs.
Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy® (PHRT®): A Rhythmic, Cycle-Based Approach
Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy® (PHRT®) offers a different approach: instead of supplying hormones at a constant level every day, PHRT utilizes rhythmic dosing that mimics the natural 28-day hormone cycle.
During the menstrual years, estradiol and progesterone rise and fall in a rhythm that influences not only fertility, but cardiovascular health, cognition, bone turnover, and gene expression. Estradiol alone interacts with more than 4,000 genes and 350 gene products, and the pattern of hormone signaling matters as much as the amount.
PHRT® is based on the idea that restoring this natural rhythm may support:
- Bone metabolism and strength
- Heart and vascular health
- Cognitive health and mental clarity
- Breast and cellular health
- Overall hormone balance and well-being
This method may be considered when a patient’s goals include long-term physiologic support, not only symptom relief.
Why Certification Matters
Because rhythmic dosing requires precise standardization, PHRT® pharmacies must meet specific compounding, sourcing, and quality testing requirements. As a WHN-certified Physiologic Restoration pharmacy, Westmoreland Pharmacy:
- Uses standardized materials and dosing systems
- Follows validated compounding techniques
- Participates in third-party quality verification
- Works collaboratively with trained PHRT® prescribers
This ensures patients and providers receive consistent, reliable hormone formulations.
Supporting Patients and Providers Together
We recognize that no two women have the same hormone story. That’s why we believe in choice, education, and collaboration.
- For patients: We are here to help you understand your options and support the plan developed with your provider.
- For clinicians: We provide dosing guidance, compounding support, and clinical education resources to help determine the best protocol for individual patients.
Whether traditional HRT or Physiologic Hormone Restoration Therapy® is the right fit depends on a woman’s personal goals, symptom patterns, history, and comfort level.
Interested in learning more?
Our pharmacy team is here to help.
Call us 866-944-6505 to speak with our compounding team
Providers: Ask us about PHRT® training resources and collaborative support options. You can also access information within our Provider Portal (If you don’t already have an account, it is easy to create one.)
