Symptom Tracker
Quick check-ins help us spot trends and adjust treatment the smart way—without guesswork.
Before you start
Every woman responds differently. These timelines are general guides—not deadlines. Some symptoms improve quickly. Others take longer. That’s normal.
Tracking helps your provider tell the difference between “this needs more time” and “this needs an adjustment.”
Do your best: track, keep taking your plan as prescribed, and message us if something changes.
What to expect with estrogen
Many benefits take a full 6 weeks to show their effect—even if we check in sooner.
Estrogen adjustment timeline
Use this to understand “too soon” vs “time to reassess.”
(Optional) If this doesn’t work on your device, no worries—the timeline below still applies.
Often too soon to know your final response.
Feeling “no change yet” is common and does not mean it isn’t working.
Assessment window.
This is the earliest time we may consider adjusting—depending on your symptoms and tracking.
Full effect window.
We expect clearer trends here—improvement, stabilization, or a signal to adjust.
What improves when
Symptoms don’t all respond on the same schedule. These are typical timeframes.
Hot flashes / night sweats
Often 1–3 weeks • Full benefit 6–8 weeksMany people notice change early, but it may take longer to feel steady.
Sleep
Up to ~6 weeksSleep can improve gradually, especially in perimenopause.
Mood / anxiety
Often 2–4 monthsThis tends to be a slower, steadier improvement—not an overnight change.
Brain fog / focus
Often ~3–4 monthsMental clarity often improves after sleep improves and hormone levels stabilize.
Vaginal dryness / discomfort
Often 8–12 weeks (sometimes longer)Tissues heal over time—this one is usually gradual.
Libido / sexual desire
Can take up to ~6 monthsThis is often the slowest to shift. That’s common and normal.
If something changes (new symptoms, side effects, bleeding, severe headaches, chest pain, leg swelling, etc.), don’t wait—message us.
Benefits over time (beyond symptom relief)
Some benefits aren’t “feel it today” benefits—they’re “protect over time” benefits.
What research shows (in plain language)
Estradiol started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause is linked with meaningful protection for heart health, bone health, and a lower chance of dying earlier than expected. [1–3]
🫀 Heart health Lower heart disease rates when started early
Research shows that when hormone therapy is started before 60 (or within 10 years of menopause), women often have substantially lower rates of coronary heart disease across studies. [1]
You may see the phrase “all-cause mortality” in research. That simply means death from any cause. Studies show a lower risk of dying earlier than expected with early initiation. [1–2]
In one long study starting around age 50, 10 years of estradiol was linked with a 52% lower risk of a combined outcome of heart failure, heart attack, and death. [1]
🦴 Bone health Fewer fractures and stronger bones
Research shows estrogen reduces fractures and helps protect bones over time. [3]
Estradiol delivered through the skin (patch or gel) has been shown to increase bone density, helping protect against bone loss and osteoporosis. [4]
These benefits generally continue while you’re on therapy (when it’s appropriate for you).
🧠 Brain health Emerging evidence; timing appears to matter
Research suggests that earlier and longer estrogen exposure may support healthier brain aging and is linked with lower Alzheimer’s risk in some studies. [5]
This is an active area of research, and the strongest signals appear related to timing and duration. [5]
⚙️ Metabolic health Lower diabetes risk in large studies
Research shows estrogen therapy reduced new diabetes diagnoses in large studies. [3]
References (as cited): [1]–[5]
Want reminders to track?
Set a quick calendar reminder for 2–3×/week check-ins. This is especially important when starting and before refills
If your device blocks downloads, you can set a repeating reminder for Tue/Thu/Sun.
Add this to your Home Screen
One-tap access—just like an app.
Not monitored in real time. For urgent symptoms, use urgent care, the ER, or your primary care provider.