Hormone Replacement Therapy

Water Retention After Starting Hormone Therapy: Why It Happens (and What You Can Do About It)

Water Retention After Starting Hormone Therapy: Why It Happens (and What You Can Do About It)

Some temporary water retention is incredibly common and usually does not mean you've gained fat or that your hormones are harming you. For most women, patience really does pay off. Support your body with hydration, movement, potassium-rich foods, adequate protein, fiber, good sleep, and time. If you're still feeling persistently swollen after 3-4 months, or the symptoms are becoming severe, it's worth talking with your healthcare provider. Sometimes a small adjustment to your hormone regimen can make all the difference.

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Testosterone and Women: Real Benefit, Real Caution

Testosterone and Women: Real Benefit, Real Caution

Recently a popular media piece (e.g., in the The New York Times “Sunday Read”-style coverage) spotlighted women receiving testosterone pellets and portrayed it in very dramatic terms. Yes, there are real benefits of testosterone (T) for women — especially in the context of perimenopause/menopause — but the “miracle cure” narrative is misleading and may gloss over important risks and proper practice.

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Managing Water Retention on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Managing Water Retention on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

If you're experiencing water retention while on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you're not alone. Mild fluid shifts are a common and often temporary side effect, particularly when starting or adjusting estrogen-containing formulations. At Tendwell, we support a thoughtful, individualized approach to optimizing your hormonal balance while minimizing side effects.

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Why I Don’t Recommend Pellets for Hormone Therapy in Women

Why I Don’t Recommend Pellets for Hormone Therapy in Women

Recently, I spoke with a woman who was looking for a new hormone-savvy provider. As we began talking, I couldn’t help but notice her voice—low, gravelly, with a sort of sexy smoker’s rasp. But as she shared more of her hormone history, I began to suspect there was something else going on: unintentional vocal deepening, likely due to testosterone pellets.

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