Hormone replacement therapy - WelnessTreatment Pro

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves using medications containing hormones to supplement low hormone levels in the body. It can provide relief from troublesome symptoms of hormone deficiency and help people lead fuller, healthier lives. This article from WelnessTreatment Pro will discuss the basics of HRT, reasons for hormone deficiencies, evaluation and treatment protocols, and highlight the benefits of timely hormone replacement.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy involves taking medications to normalize hormones that are low or out of balance. It is used to treat symptoms related to hormone deficiencies that occur with age or due to medical conditions. Some of the hormones commonly replaced include:

• Estrogen - Used to treat low estrogen levels in women during perimenopause and postmenopause. Estrogen therapy helps relieve hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary symptoms, and osteoporosis.
• Testosterone - Used to treat low testosterone levels in both men and women. Testosterone therapy can improve libido, energy levels, muscle mass, mood, and cognitive function.
• Thyroid hormone - Used to treat hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid. Replacing thyroid hormone relieves fatigue, weight gain, hair loss and supports metabolism.
• DHEA - DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) levels decline with age. Supplementing DHEA may help improve energy, mood, libido, and immune function.

Causes of Hormone Deficiencies

There are several reasons hormone levels decline, leading to symptoms that may affect quality of life:

• Aging - Hormone levels naturally decrease with age, especially after age 30. This gradual decline is known as adrenopause or andropause.
• Menopause - Estrogen levels sharply drop during the menopausal transition, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and sleep disruption in women.
• Medical conditions - Health conditions like pituitary disorders, adrenal insufficiency, and hypogonadism can cause hormone deficiencies.
• Medications - Certain medications like corticosteroids, painkillers, antidepressants, and hormonal birth control can disrupt hormone balance.
• Lifestyle factors - Excess body fat, chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking, and alcohol use negatively impact hormone levels. Nutritional deficiencies also play a role.

Signs and Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Recognizing symptoms of hormone imbalances early is key to timely treatment. Some common signs include:

Women	Men	Both
Hot flashes, night sweats	Loss of libido	Poor concentration, memory loss
Vaginal dryness	Erectile dysfunction	Reduced bone density, joint pain
Mood changes, irritability	Depression, irritability	Decreased stamina, endurance
Trouble sleeping	Fatigue, low energy	Reduced immunity
Weight gain	Loss of muscle mass	Loss of body hair
Hair loss	Increased body fat	Dry skin
Loss of muscle mass	Reduced strength

Diagnosing Hormone Imbalances

An accurate hormone deficiency diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified healthcare provider at WelnessTreatment Pro. Initial assessment includes a detailed history, physical exam, and review of symptoms.

Recommended laboratory tests check levels of key hormones like estradiol, testosterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA-S, cortisol, and others. Comparison is made to optimal reference ranges based on age and gender. Testing may be done at baseline and in response to stimulation.

Sample Type	Hormones Tested
Saliva	Cortisol, DHEA-S, Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone
Blood	Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone, Thyroid hormones, DHEA-S
Urine	Cortisol, Estradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone

In some cases, imaging tests are performed to assess hormone gland structure and function. Ongoing monitoring helps determine individualized treatment needs.

Benefits of Timely Hormone Replacement

Restoring optimal hormone balance through replacement therapy can help patients feel healthier, more energetic, and improve wellbeing.

Timely treatment at WelnessTreatment Pro offers many potential benefits:

• Relief of bothersome menopausal symptoms
• Increased energy and stamina
• Improved mood, cognitive function, sleep quality
• Healthier body composition - increased muscle, reduced fat
• Better sexual function and libido
• Stronger bones, reduced fracture risk
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease
• Healthier skin, hair, and nails
• Disease prevention and anti-aging effects
• Improved quality of life

The risks and benefits of hormone therapy are carefully weighed for each individual patient. Ongoing medical supervision is important for best results and safety.

HRT Treatment Protocols

Hormone replacement therapy programs are tailored to each patient's needs and hormone test results. After an initial consultation and testing, healthcare providers at WelnessTreatment Pro will determine which hormones to supplement and optimal dosing.

Some general guidelines include:

• Estrogen - Estrogen therapy is started at a low dose and increased gradually as needed to control menopausal symptoms. Estrogen alone is prescribed in women without a uterus. Those with a uterus also receive progesterone to prevent uterine cancer.
• Testosterone - Testosterone therapy for men uses gels, injections, patches or pellets to normalize testosterone blood levels. Levels are monitored to keep within the optimal range.
• Thyroid hormone - Most patients do well on a steady daily dose of oral synthetic thyroxine medication. Regular blood level monitoring helps determine proper dosing.
• DHEA - Typically 25-50 mg of DHEA, taken in the morning, is an appropriate starting dosage. Effects on energy and well-being are monitored.

WelnessTreatment Pro for Expert Hormone Care

The experienced healthcare providers at WelnessTreatment Pro provide cutting edge testing, hormone treatments, ongoing monitoring, and lifestyle guidance for optimal outcomes. We specialize in customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) using hormones chemically identical to those produced naturally in the body.

Our top priorities are safe, effective treatment and enhancing patients' health and quality of life. We partner with each patient to develop an individualized program for addressing hormone deficiencies and imbalances. Contact WelnessTreatment Pro today to learn more and schedule your initial consultation.

Conclusion

Hormone deficiencies that occur with age or due to medical conditions can negatively impact quality of life. Hormone replacement therapy helps restore optimal hormone balance, alleviating symptoms and promoting better health. Working with qualified healthcare providers at WelnessTreatment Pro for evaluation, treatment, and monitoring provides the greatest benefits. Contact WelnessTreatment Pro today to see how our experienced team can help you live life to the fullest!