How do you know if hormone therapy is working? When we start therapy, we focus on the symptom that bothers you most. My goal is to make that symptom about 80% better. Sometimes the first approach doesn’t get us there, and we need to raise or lower the dose. If your main symptoms aren’t improving, it may be time to try something different. How long does it take to notice a difference? It depends on what we’re starting. With progesterone, you may notice a difference within a week or two. With estrogen, it can take three or four weeks. With testosterone, it can take a couple of months to get a clear sense of how you’re responding. — Transcript edited for clarity and reviewed by Alan McCool, MD, FACS on November 9, 2026.