Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves using medications to supplement hormones that your body is no longer producing at adequate levels. It can provide relief from unpleasant symptoms associated with hormonal decline and promote long-term health. HRT is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms in women and low testosterone in men. However, both men and women can benefit from HRT to restore optimal hormone functioning.
At WelnessTreatment Pro in Issaquah, Washington, we specialize in customized HRT plans to help you look and feel your best. In this guide, we'll provide an overview of hormone replacement therapy and how it may help you reclaim your health and vitality.
Your hormones work together to regulate many essential bodily processes. When certain hormone levels start to decline, you may experience symptoms including:
| Women | Men |
|---|---|
| Hot flashes and night sweats | Loss of muscle mass |
| Vaginal dryness | Increased body fat |
| Loss of libido | Reduced strength and endurance |
| Fatigue | Low libido |
| Irritability and mood swings | Erectile dysfunction |
| Difficulty sleeping | Depression |
| Weight gain | Fatigue |
| Loss of body hair/reduced shaving |
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, hormonal imbalance may be to blame. The most effective way to determine if hormone therapy can help is to have your levels tested.
HRT is a safe and effective approach to relieving symptoms of hormone decline. The goal is to supplement your body's natural hormones to bring them back to optimal levels.
Treatment usually involves medications such as:
These hormones can be administered in various forms such as pills, skin patches, gels, injections, implants, vaginal rings, or creams. Your WelnessTreatment Pro physician will determine the ideal delivery method based on your individual needs and preferences.
Relieving unpleasant symptoms is not the only advantage of HRT. Research shows hormones affect far more than just menopause and sexual functioning. They impact your overall health. HRT provides benefits such as:
Balancing your hormones is crucial at any age to feel and function at your best physically and mentally.
The first step before starting HRT is to have your hormone levels tested. A simple blood test can measure your levels of key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and DHEA.
Based on your test results and symptoms, your WelnessTreatment Pro doctor will design a customized treatment plan. They will prescribe you bioidentical hormones - made to match your body's natural hormones structurally and functionally.
Your doctor will start you on the lowest effective dose and adjust it over time based on follow-up testing to keep your levels optimized. You can expect to notice improvements in symptoms relatively quickly after starting treatment.
Follow-up lab testing is necessary periodically to ensure hormone levels remain within the target range for you. Your doctor will monitor your progress and make dosage adjustments as needed. Most patients feel their best when hormones are kept within an optimal range long-term through HRT under medical supervision.
While hormone therapy provides huge benefits, you can further support your treatment by making positive lifestyle adjustments such as:
Your lifestyle choices and hormone levels are closely intertwined. Optimize both for the best HRT results.
For men over 40, testosterone therapy can provide transformative improvements in energy, body composition, mood, and sexual function. Testosterone facilitates:
Testosterone therapy helps counteract age-related hormonal decline to help men feel youthful and at their best physically and mentally.
At WelnessTreatment Pro in Issaquah, our physicians specialize in customized hormone replacement therapy to relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance and promote long-lasting health. We offer cutting-edge hormone testing and replacement protocols using bioidentical hormones tailored to your unique needs.
Our compassionate and experienced staff will partner with you on your treatment journey so you can thrive hormonally. We empower our patients with personalized care, education, and optimal hormone levels for better health and quality of life.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, visit us at our clinic or contact us. We look forward to helping you address your hormone-related concerns and achieve hormone optimization.
Common symptoms of low testosterone in men include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, diminished energy and stamina, loss of lean muscle mass, increased body fat, reduced mental sharpness, irritability, and depression.
| Benefits of Testosterone Therapy |
|---|
| Increased energy and sex drive |
| Improved erectile function |
| More lean muscle mass |
| Decreased body fat |
| Stronger bones |
| Better mood and cognition |
| Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease |
There are minimal risks from bioidentical HRT when it is prescribed and monitored appropriately under medical supervision. Side effects may include fluid retention, acne, and breast or prostate enlargement in some cases.
Most patients begin experiencing symptom relief within a few weeks of starting HRT. However, the full effects are generally seen over 3-6 months as hormone levels stabilize within the optimal range.
Many patients elect to continue HRT long-term under medical supervision to maintain hormone balance. However, you can try discontinuing HRT after a period if you feel your symptoms have sufficiently resolved.
Seeking care from an anti-aging doctor or hormone specialist is recommended. They have advanced specialized training in optimizing hormone levels through testing, prescribing HRT, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safe and effective treatment.
