HORMONE Replacement Therapy
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that replaces hormones that may be deficient or unbalanced due to various factors such as aging, medical conditions, or other causes.
Hormone Replacement Therapy is appropriate for both men and women and can help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, andropause, and other hormone imbalances. At our medical office, we offer personalized Hormone Replacement Therapy consultations with our skilled physicians, who will develop a tailored treatment plan according to your individual requirements. Our team is committed to providing high-quality care and ensuring that you attain the best possible results.
Our providers go beyond simply balancing your hormones using Hormone Replacement Therapy; they strive to achieve balance for your entire body. By attentively listening to your health concerns and thoroughly reviewing your comprehensive medical history, they can develop a customized plan that addresses your specific needs and helps restore your hormones to optimal levels. To learn more about your individual needs, we invite you to explore Our Program. Should you have any questions, our patient coordinator is available to assist you in gaining a better understanding of our process.
Hormonal imbalance occurs when your body produces either too little or too much of a specific hormone or group of hormones. While there are many hormones that are shared among everyone, such as insulin or adrenaline, certain hormones can have different effects on men and women. For instance, women may experience an imbalance in estrogen and progesterone levels, while men may encounter an imbalance in testosterone. Most likely you will experience a hormonal imbalance at some point in your life, particularly if you have an endocrine disorder. Age and lifestyle also contribute to these imbalances. The symptoms of hormonal imbalance can vary greatly, as each hormone plays a unique role in the body.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalances
Traditional Hormone Therapy vs. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy
Traditional hormone therapy, sometimes referred to as “synthetic,” is FDA-approved and most commonly prescribed for hormone replacement. Bioidentical hormones are compounded at special pharmacies. There is good evidence that women can find relief from symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances without the risks that come along with synthetic hormones.
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Compounded hormones provide patients with an individualized experience that stems from customizing the strength, but also the delivery method. Physicians and pharmacists have the ability to combine hormones into a single dosage form through compounding.
Bioidentical:
The main difference between synthetic or synthesized hormones and bioidentical hormones is accuracy. Bioidentical hormones replicate the exact molecular structure of naturally produced hormones (estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, etc.), resulting in a hormone that functions far better than synthetic forms.
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Both bioidentical hormones and synthetic hormones are made in a laboratory. Although bioidentical hormones are considered more “natural” because they are derived from plants rather than man-made chemical compounds. Bioidentical hormones can be produced by a pharmaceutical company or a compounding pharmacy.
BHRT isn’t right for everyone. Not everyone will develop symptoms as they age. If you don’t, there’s no need to fix what isn’t broken! Also, the potential risks and side effects can vary from individual to individual, based on a patient’s medical history and lifestyle. You should always consult carefully with your doctor about your current hormone levels and the potential pros and cons of hormone replacement for you. Make sure your doctor knows if you:
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Think you may be pregnant
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Are experiencing vaginal bleeding
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Have/had certain types of cancer such as breast, uterine, or endometrial
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Had a stroke or heart attack
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Have/had blood clots
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Have/had liver disease
If you have any of these risk factors, you may want to consider a different solution for you.
In men, hormone replacement therapy is most used to treat the symptoms of andropause, an age-related decline in male hormone levels called testosterone deficiency. Although it has been compared to menopause in women, the decrease in hormones and onset of symptoms during andropause in men is slower and subtler than it is in women. However, low testosterone levels can occur for many reasons at any age, even as early as the teenage years.
In women, hormone replacement therapy is mostly used to treat the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. However, hormone imbalances can occur at any age, even in women as young as in their 20s. Bioidentical hormones, which are derived from plant estrogens, have the same molecular structure and act the same as natural human hormones. The most common hormones used in BHRT for women are estrogens (estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3)), and progesterone. testosterone, pregnenolone, and/or DHEA.