Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves using medications to supplement hormones when your body is unable to produce adequate amounts. As we age, both men and women experience a natural decline in hormone production that can lead to undesirable symptoms. HRT can help restore optimal hormone levels to promote better health and vitality.
HRT is frequently used to treat menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances. Estrogen and progesterone therapy can help relieve these symptoms.
HRT is also beneficial for men experiencing signs of low testosterone like fatigue, erectile dysfunction, depression, and loss of muscle mass. Testosterone replacement can restore normal levels.
People with a hormone deficiency due to medical conditions like hypothyroidism may also benefit from HRT under a doctor's care.
There are many potential benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy:
HRT can be administered in various forms including pills, skin patches, gels, injections, implants, creams or vaginal rings. Your Balance Hormone Center doctor will help determine the most effective dosage and method.
We begin with a thorough evaluation of your health, hormone levels, family history and treatment goals. This enables us to develop a customized therapy plan to restore your hormones for improved wellbeing.
Hormone replacement therapy was originally developed in the 1930s to help menopausal women with symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. Surprisingly, it was also prescribed to transgender women as early as the 1960s to help feminize their bodies long before it became a common medical practice.
The initial steps when starting HRT treatment include:
The hormones we typically prescribe at Balance Hormone Center include:
For women with menopause, estrogen therapy replenishes depleted estrogen levels to relieve symptoms. Estrogen is commonly prescribed as a skin patch, vaginal cream or pill.
Progesterone therapy is important for women with an intact uterus to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining from estrogen treatment. Progesterone is often taken as a pill alongside estrogen.
Testosterone therapy can relieve low testosterone symptoms in men or postmenopausal women. Testosterone supplements come as injections, patches, gels and pellets implanted under the skin.
We begin with an appropriate low dose based on your lab results and needs, gradually increasing until optimal hormone levels and symptom relief are achieved. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose for your body. I adjust dosing based on follow-up lab testing and symptom monitoring.
I also provide guidance on lifestyle changes and wellness strategies that can complement your treatment:
Integrating these holistic self-care approaches enhances your HRT treatment and promotes optimal aging.
The trusted providers at Balance Hormone Center have extensive training in hormone therapy and anti-aging medicine. We take time to listen and understand your unique situation and goals.
Our state-of-the-art South Monroe facility offers advanced diagnostic testing to design a customized treatment plan just for you. We make hormone optimization achievable through cutting-edge therapies and a compassionate, patient-centered approach.
Balance Hormone Center welcomes the opportunity to help you restore your hormones for an improved quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Getting the right tests is crucial for identifying hormone deficiencies and imbalances. At Balance Hormone Center we assess the following hormones:
You can get laboratory testing done locally at:
We will provide you with the correct lab orders to get the necessary hormone tests before starting treatment.
South Monroe features a temperate four-season climate with warm summers and cool winters. Spring and fall are mild and comfortable.
For women, the best times to initiate hormone therapy are typically:
For men, anytime is a good time to have testosterone levels evaluated and optimize low levels. However, warmer times of year with more daylight like spring and summer may be preferred to boost energy and vitality.
Balance Hormone Center providers can advise you on the optimal timing based on your specific needs. South Monroe's moderate climate allows customizing therapy all year round.
South Monroe offers many relaxing options to reduce stress which supports your HRT treatment:
* Greenwood Park and Nature Trails - Features scenic ponds, wooded paths and gardens perfect for contemplative strolls * Serenity Spa - Massage, facials and therapeutic body treatments * Monroe Fitness - Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi classes and indoor pool * Hilltop Café - Charming restaurant with patio seating and river views * Monroe Medical Center - Support groups for wellbeing and healthy aging
HRT empowers you to reduce disruptive symptoms and improve your wellbeing as you age. The experienced physicians at Balance Hormone Center evaluate your unique needs to get you feeling energized and balanced again. Contact us to learn more and chart a course towards optimal hormone health.
