Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
As women age, their production of reproductive hormones—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—naturally declines, leading to various health issues. Many women experience symptoms such as hot flashes, incontinence, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, mood disorders, and more, due to hormonal imbalances.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is designed to restore hormones to optimal levels in the body. This treatment is recommended for women experiencing symptoms or conditions related to imbalanced sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone) or thyroid disorders.
To determine if you are a candidate for HRT, schedule a consultation with our trained practitioner who specializes in hormone therapy. She will assess your current health and medical history, review your symptoms and goals, and perform lab tests to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to restore hormone balance. Treatment may include pellet therapy, nutraceuticals, diet and exercise plans, and more.
What is Perimenopause?
Perimenopause is the final reproductive years in women leading up to the cessation of her periods. Perimenopause starts around the age of 47- on average but this can start in the mid-30s. This stage lasts between 4-8 years (up to 14 years) and ends after 12 consecutive months without a period, when menopause occurs.
Perimenopause
Causes
When progesterone and estrogen levels fluctuate unevenly. Symptoms happen as a result of low estrogen levels.
Perimenopause SymptomsP
- Hot flashes
- Night Sweats
- Sleep Problems
- Fatigue
- Mood disorders
- Bone loss
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Vaginal Dryness
- Increased cholesterol
- Difficulty loosing weight
- Irregular periods
Perimenopause Health Risks
Osteoporosis is a risk of low estrogen, the bones become brittle and are prone to fracture. Low estrogen can increase cholesterol which puts you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
Experiencing perimenopause symptoms?
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What is Menopause?
The absence of a period for 12 consecutive months marks menopause, the end of reproductive years for women. The body will stop releasing eggs and the production of progesterone and estrogen declines. The average age of natural menopause is 52.
Symptoms and Risks
- Hot flashes
- Sleep Disturbances
- Urinary urgency
- Mood disorders- irritable, anxiety and depression
- Sexual pain/discomfort during sex
- Vaginal dryness
- Hair loss
- Weight gain, belly fat
- Bone loss
The risks in menopause are associated with low estrogen levels which put women at risk for Osteoporosis and increased cholesterol (heart disease and stroke risk follow). When sex organs loose elasticity stress and urge incontinence is common.
Get in touch to learn more about hormone replacement therapy.
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Low
Testosterone in Women
Testosterone is not just for men! Women produce testosterone but at much smaller doses. Testosterone is a vital hormone for sexual health and when it is too low women can experience low libido.
Testosterone
Testosterone is key for reproduction, it plays a role in fertility, mood and bone health. Testosterone is produced in the ovaries and in the adrenal glands. When the ovaries stop functioning the adrenals acquire dysfunction and can become under active.
Testosterone dysfunction can also be iatrogenic from hysterectomies, and cancer treatments.
Symptoms of Low T in Women
- Low libido
- Difficulty with orgasm
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
- Muscle Weakness
- Hair loss
This is a Medium Heading
Thyroid Disorder in Women
The thyroid has a function on every cell in the body, it is common for men and women to have thyroid disease. 20 million people in the US have thyroid dysfunction and many people are misdiagnosed or under diagnosed contributing symptoms to natural aging and disease.
Do you have a thyroid disorder?
Hyperthyroidism is overactive thyroid, there is too much thyroid hormone. This can happen from Grave’s disease, thyroiditis (inflammation), tumors of the pituitary gland and more.
Hypothyroidism is under active thyroid, there is not enough thyroid hormone to go around. This can commonly happen from Hashimoto’s, thyroiditis and medical conditions: diabetes, celiac, and Sjogren’s among others.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
- Elevated heart rate
- Trembling hands
- Hair Loss
- Bulging eyes
- Weight loss
- Irregular periods
- Muscle weakness
- Loose bowels
- Risk of miscarriage
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Slow speech
- Puffy face
- Hair Loss
- Weight gain
- Heavy periods
- Constipation
- Achy Muscles
- Risk of miscarriage
Hormone Imbalance in Women
What is the diagnostic criteria?
If you have symptoms leading to impaired function or discomfort, lab tests and a consultation will confirm your diagnosis.
What is the Treatment of Hormone Imbalance in Women?
Hormonal imbalances are often addressed through a combination of hormone therapy, nutraceuticals, and a balanced, healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, proper nutrition, and maintaining a healthy weight. When hormone levels are optimized, men can experience increased energy, improved mood, quality sleep, and other benefits that enhance their overall quality of life and support a healthier lifestyle.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women (HRT)
Women experiencing symptoms that impact their quality of life, relationships, and overall health should seek treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an effective option for addressing these imbalances and improving well-being. There are a variety of hormone delivery methods outlined below.
Creams and Gels
Creams and gels offer easy application. However, they require daily use, sometimes two to three times per day.
You can experience inconsistent dosing if the cream or gel does not absorb properly, is rubbed off, or if a dose is missed or forgotten. Such inconsistencies can affect the therapy’s overall effectiveness.
There is a risk of hormone transfer to anyone who comes into contact including children, pets, and partners.
Pills
Pills are convenient however, they require daily intake, and missing a dose or refill can disrupt your treatment.
Pills may not provide consistent dosing like other forms of HRT. Although they are designed to withstand the acidic environment of the stomach, their absorption into the bloodstream may not be as even or reliable as more direct methods of administration.
Injections
Injections provide immediate effects, and require administration once every 7 to 10 days at home or in the clinic.
Injections cause “rollercoaster” dosing, high relief after the dose which dwindles by day 7.
Pellets
Pellets are hormones packed into tiny rice sized capsules that are implanted under the skin.
Pellets are easy because you don’t have to take a pill each day, rub on cream, or time an injection.
Pellets provide a steady flow of hormones for 3 to 6 months depending on your body’s need, gender and cardiac output.
Pellets are often the preferred HRT therapy for patients and providers.
If you are experiencing a hormone imbalance, schedule a consultation.