If you've hit your 40s (or are getting close) and suddenly feel like a stranger in your own body — brain fog, mood swings, weight change - you didn't sign up for — you're not imagining it, and you're not alone. We sat down with Brittney Burns, DNP, FNP-C, owner of Cura Aesthetics, to talk through the basics of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and what women should know before booking that first consultation.*
Q: What exactly is HRT, and how do I know if it's something I need?
"Hormone replacement therapy is really just about restoring balance," Brittney explains. "As women move through perimenopause and menopause, hormones like estrogen and progesterone — and sometimes testosterone — start to decline. HRT helps replenish those levels so your body isn't working against you."
She notes that every new patient at Cura Aesthetics starts with a full evaluation, including bloodwork and an honest conversation about symptoms. "I always tell my patients: hot flashes, sleepless nights, mood changes, brain fog, low energy, thinning hair — these are all things I hear about constantly, and they can absolutely be hormone-related. But the only way to know for sure is with real lab data and a provider who actually listens to you."
Q: Is HRT safe? And is it right for everyone?
"This is probably the question I get asked the most, and I love that women are asking it," Brittney says. "HRT has come a long way, and a lot of the fear around it is based on outdated research. For most women, when it's managed properly, it's a safe and genuinely life-changing option."
That said, she's quick to add that it's not a one-size-fits-all treatment. "I go through each patient's full health history with them — family history, any history of certain cancers or blood clots, cardiovascular risk factors, all of it. My job is to build a plan around your body, not hand you a template. That personal attention is non-negotiable for me."
Q: How soon will I actually feel a difference?
"It varies from patient to patient, but a lot of women start noticing improvements in sleep, mood, and hot flashes within the first few weeks," Brittney shares. "The bigger changes — more consistent energy, better skin, just feeling more like yourself — tend to build over the following months."
She emphasizes that HRT isn't a "set it and forget it" treatment. "I see my patients regularly and recheck labs so we can fine-tune the plan as needed. Hormones shift, life shifts, and your treatment should be able to shift with it."
Q: What makes Cura Aesthetics' approach to HRT different?
"Honestly, it comes down to the fact that I'm hands-on with every patient, every step of the way," Brittney says. "I didn't want to build a practice that hands people a generic prescription and sends them on their way. I want to know your labs, your symptoms, your goals — and build something around you."
That personalized, provider-led philosophy is something Brittney says she's proud to have built Cura Aesthetics around. "Hormone health deserves the same level of care and expertise as any other part of your health. That's the standard I hold myself to."
Q: I think HRT might be right for me. What's my next step?
"Book a consultation — that's really all it takes to start," Brittney says. "We'll run labs, talk through your symptoms and health history, and I'll walk you through your options honestly, without any pressure or assumptions about what you need."
Her advice for anyone who's been on the fence? "If you've been wondering whether what you're feeling is hormone-related, trust that instinct. That conversation is worth having, and I'd love to be the one to have it with you."
Ready to talk hormones with someone who can help? Schedule your HRT consultation with Brittney Burns and the team at Cura Aesthetics today.
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results vary. Consult a licensed physician to determine whether hormone replacement therapy is appropriate for you.