Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat symptoms associated with low hormone levels in both men and women. As we age, hormone levels naturally decline, leading to undesirable effects. HRT can help alleviate symptoms and promote better health and quality of life.
HRT involves introducing hormones into the body through various administration routes to reach healthy physiologic levels. The most commonly prescribed HRTs are testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for men and estrogen plus progesterone for women. Other hormones like thyroid, growth hormone, DHEA, and melatonin may also be used.
Both men and women can develop hormone deficiencies for various reasons at any age, leading to debilitating symptoms:
If lab testing confirms a hormone deficiency and symptoms persists despite lifestyle modifications, HRT should be considered after weighing potential risks and benefits.
Some benefits of HRT include:
Low testosterone (low T) affects close to 40% of men over age 45. Aside from bothersome symptoms, untreated low T raises risks of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and early death. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can safely and effectively treat deficient levels.
The diagnosis of low T begins with a thorough history, physical exam, symptom questionnaire, and hormone blood tests. Two morning total testosterone blood tests below 300 ng/dL or free testosterone under 5-9 pg/mL confirms the diagnosis. Testing for estradiol, LH, FSH, SHBG, PSA, hematocrit, metabolic panel, and vitamin D provides additional information.
TRT benefits include:
TRT restores testosterone to healthy levels through external administration. Testosterone is available in various forms - injections, gels, creams, pellets, patches and more. Your physician will determine the optimal formulation, dose, and frequency to meet your needs.
Follow up blood work, symptom reviews, and dosage titrations ensure peak treatment effectiveness. Adding medications like HCG, aromatase inhibitors, and DHEA further enhances results. Adhering to a healthy lifestyle boosts TRT benefits even more.
Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone after menopause causes unpleasant symptoms that disrupt quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)provides women safe, effective relief well into their golden years.
Diagnosing hormone deficiencies begins with a medical history, physical examination, symptom questionnaire, and appropriate lab testing. Blood tests check levels of estradiol, progesterone, testosterone, T3, T4, TSH, FSH, LH, DHEA-S, SHBG, vitamin D, and insulin. Saliva testing also accurately evaluates hormone levels.
While all women undergo menopause, not all require treatment. Those with moderate to severe symptoms lasting longer than 6 months may benefit from HRT. Women at high risk for osteoporosis and heart disease may also consider treatment. Your doctor will help determine if HRT is right for you based on symptoms, labs, health status, and family history.
Relieving menopausal symptoms provides the number one reason women seek HRT. Additional benefits include:
Hormone regimens come customized for your unique needs. Doctors determine optimal hormones, combinations, doses and delivery methods tailored for you.
Testosterone treats low libido, low energy, and sexual dysfunction in both sexes. It builds bone, muscle, and boosts mood.
Estrogen alleviates hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, sleep disturbances, and bone loss.
Progesterone balances estrogen's effects on the uterus. It promotes calm mood, restful sleep, and healthy bones.
Low thyroid hormones cause weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, cold intolerance, constipation, and heavy periods. Correcting levels enhances HRT results.
DHEA enhances libido, sexual response, mood, memory, energy levels, and immune function.
Melatonin promotes restful sleep and combats insomnia.
Pellet implants placed under the skin release consistent hormones over 4-6 months. Pellets require fewer peaks and troughs than weekly or biweekly injections. Patches and gels provide daily hormonal therapy. Oral medications offer ease of use but undergo breakdown through the liver.
Your doctor determines optimal delivery methods based on your labs, symptoms, preferences, metabolism, and convenience.
Recent research has found that hormone therapy started early in menopause may provide cognitive benefits for some women. A 2021 study showed that women who began estrogen-only therapy within 6 years of menopause had better verbal memory and executive function compared to women further from their final menstrual period.
Implementing healthy lifestyle habits maximizes HRT benefits:
Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet high in produce, lean proteins, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugar, unhealthy fats and toxins. Stay hydrated drinking adequate filtered water.
Engage in regular strength training and cardio exercise to build lean muscle, burn fat, strengthen bones, and boost mood. Outdoor activities provide added vitamin D and stress relief.
Aim for 7-9 hours nightly. Go to bed and wake at consistent times. Create an ideal sleep environment - cool, completely dark and gadget-free.
Make time for relaxing activities like yoga, meditation, massage, nature walks, hobbies, and social gatherings. Breathe deeply and maintain a positive, grateful attitude.
Balance Hormone Clinic provides comprehensive HRT tailored to your unique physiology and lifestyle. We offer:
Ignoring bothersome menopausal or low T symptoms not only disrupts quality of life but raises risks for serious medical conditions. The longer hormone deficiencies persist, the higher likelihood of developing osteoporosis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and neurocognitive issues.
Restoring balance earlier optimizes treatment response. Less hormones get required at lower doses when glandular function remains somewhat intact. Symptoms reverse more quickly before becoming deeply ingrained. Additionally, positive lifestyle habits adopt easier at younger ages, amplifying improvements.
Balance Hormone Clinic provides prompt, individualized care. We offer cutting-edge therapies including pellet implants not accessible elsewhere locally. Patients appreciate our compassionate, attentive approach.
If you suffer from hormone imbalance symptoms, contact Balance Hormone Clinic today to see if treatment is right for you!
