If you are using hormone therapy, you might be wondering, “What is the best time of day to take estrogen and progesterone?” There is no certain time of day that works for every type of hormone therapy.
Estrogen can normally be used in the morning or at night, but it might depend on the form you are using and what your dose schedule looks like, and oral progesterone is most often taken before bedtime.
You should follow the exact instructions provided with your hormone therapy prescription because these come in different forms and the directions for use can be very different for a patch, gel, pill, or spray.
What Is the Best Time of Day to Take Estrogen and Progesterone?
The best time of day to take estrogen or progesterone usually has more to do with the form of hormone therapy you are using and being consistent with your dosing schedule.
Many people ask, “Does estrogen work better when taken in the morning or at night?” No. There is no exact timing rule that makes estrogen work better in the morning or at night. Most doctors will align your dosing schedule to target the type of symptoms you are having.
For instance, if you suffer from hot flashes in the daytime, administering your estrogen therapy in the morning helps to mimic your body’s natural hormone release cycle and can reduce the instances and intensity of hot flashes. If you take it at night, it can help keep your body temperature stable and improve the quality of your sleep.
The right timing depends on the type of estrogen you use and the instructions that come with it.
Estrogen Timing
Pills: Daily estrogen pills should be taken every day on a consistent schedule.
Patches: Are replaced once or twice a week depending on your circumstances.
Gels and Sprays: Are usually applied every day, and the schedule you create often must work around showering, swimming, and exercising while allowing time for the hormone to absorb and dry.
Progesterone Timing
Oral tablets (micronized progesterone): This medication is in a capsule form of progesterone that is taken by mouth and created to be chemically identical to the progesterone that your body makes naturally. The capsules are prescribed most often to be taken near bedtime because they cause sleepiness and make you drowsy.
Vaginal progesterone: Comes in gel, tablets, capsules, and suppositories and can be used one or more times in a day depending on which form is being used and the concern it is targeting.
Progesterone injections: are administered using a customized schedule prescribed according to your circumstances rather than a morning or nighttime routine.
Hormonal IUDs: Continuously release a progestin into your system, so there is no daily dose to worry about taking at any certain time.
Is Progesterone Always Administered At Night?
No. Different forms of progesterone have different directions for when and how they should be used. Oral progesterone is the form that is taken in the evening because it can make some people feel sleepy, lightheaded, or dizzy. When it is taken at night, it is less likely to interfere with the person’s daily schedule.
Oral Progesterone Can Help With Sleep
Some people who take oral progesterone report sleeping better when they take it in the evening and say they feel calmer. The effects of oral progesterone can be different for everyone. Make sure to tell your doctor if you experience any unusual side effects like dizziness or chronic drowsiness in the morning.
Can You Take Estrogen and Progesterone At The Same Time?
Yes. Some patients can use both estrogen and progesterone at the same time, but it will depend on their form and the reason they were prescribed. Some hormone therapy medications are a combination of estrogen and progesterone.
- Some patients may administer their estrogen earlier in the day and then take their oral progesterone at bedtime to get the best results.
- Women who use systemic estrogen to treat their whole body are often also given a progestogen to help protect the lining of their uterus from becoming too thick or turning cancerous.
What Are Some Reasons Why You Might Wish To Change Your Hormone Therapy Schedule?
There may be times when it is necessary to rearrange your dosage schedule for your hormone therapy. Your doctor may change the form of hormones you are using or switch your schedule to make it more convenient for your lifestyle.
Some reasons your hormone dosing schedule may be changed include::
- Switching from an oral form to one that is absorbed by the skin.
- Changing from daily doses to a specific cycle when using progesterone.
- To limit daytime drowsiness or being groggy in the morning.
- If you do shift work or have an unusual sleep schedule.
- If you are experiencing nausea or other chronic side effects.
- Interactions with other prescriptions or supplements you are taking.
- Certain medical conditions
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Hormone therapy is safe for many people, but if you begin to experience severe side effects that are not normal or are affecting your quality of life, you should contact your doctor so they can find out the root cause and make any necessary adjustments.
If you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden shortness of breath, or signs of a stroke, seek medical care immediately.
Where Can I Learn More About Hormone Therapy In Atlanta, GA?
Dr. Angelina Postoev is a triple board-certified surgeon with IBI Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. She offers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in Atlanta, GA.
BHRT uses hormones that are exactly like the ones your body naturally produces (chemically) to relieve symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia, and more.
Set up a consultation today and get the help you need to feel more like yourself.
FAQs
What Happens if Progesterone Makes Me Groggy the Next Morning?
You should speak with your doctor if you continue to feel very groggy in the morning after taking your hormone therapy, but do not change your dose on your own. Your doctor will discuss what is going on with you and make adjustments if possible or find an alternative to treat your symptoms.
Should I Take Estrogen in The Morning or At Night?
The most important thing about taking estrogen is doing it consistently, and it really does not matter the time of day. You can take estrogen in the morning or at night, and it will be effective.
Why Is Progesterone Usually Taken at Bedtime?
The oral form of progesterone can cause drowsiness or make you feel dizzy, so taking it right before bed can help reduce the side effects of dizziness and may help you sleep better.
Can I Take Estrogen in The Morning and Progesterone at Night?
Yes. If your doctor prescribes this combination therapy for you. This schedule is used by some people when the oral progesterone causes drowsiness.
Do Estrogen Patches Need to Be Changed at A Certain Time of Day?
It is more important for you to change your estrogen patch on the same day rather than be concerned about the exact hour. Make sure to follow the directions for your specific patch and ask your doctor for guidance if you have questions.
