Should you consider HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Systemic estrogen is the most effective treatment for menopausal symptoms. The benefits of HRT -Hormone Replacement Therapy may outweigh the risks if you’re healthy and:

• Experience moderate to severe hot flashes or other menopausal symptoms
• Have lost bone mass and either cannot tolerate or are not benefitting from other treatments
• Stopped having periods before age 40 (premature menopause) or lost normal function of your ovaries before age 40 (premature ovarian insufficiency)

Women who experience an early menopause, particularly those who had their ovaries removed and don’t take estrogen therapy until at least age 45, have a higher risk of:

• Osteoporosis
• Coronary heart disease (CHD)
• Earlier death
• Parkinsonism (Parkinson’s-like symptoms)
• Dementia
• Anxiety or depression
• Sexual function concerns

Early menopause typically lowers the risk of most types of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. For women who reach menopause prematurely, protective benefits of HRT – Hormone Replacement Therapy usually outweigh the risks.

Your age, type of menopause and time since menopause play a significant role in the risks associated with hormone therapy. Talk with your doctor about your personal risks.

Balancing your system

When you are young, your body produces the correct levels of hormones to keep you healthy and in balance. As individuals age, an imbalance in any one area of hormones, diet or lifestyle, can cause your metabolism to be thrown out of balance resulting in an assortment of symptoms. Like a well-balanced, well-designed mobile, the weight of each piece affects the balance of other pieces. The goal of hormone replenishment therapy (HRT) is to routinely measure your hormone levels, make adjustments as necessary, and keep your system in balance.

There are two main choices for HRT -hormone replenishment therapy: synthetic hormone replenishment and bio-identical hormone replenishment. In the past, synthetic hormone replenishment was the primary treatment for menopausal women; however, bio-identical hormone therapy has come to the forefront due to its decreased risks and increased benefits over synthetic hormone replenishment therapy.

As bio-identical hormones mimic the hormones that our body produces naturally, the side-effects often associated with synthetic hormones are virtually eliminated. The doses of bio-identical hormones are also individualized based on the deficiencies found via blood testing, whereas synthetic hormones tend to be a “one size fits all” dose.

Our Program

Before starting our hormone replenishment program we will utilize extensive laboratory testing along with a detailed health history to assess what hormones to recommend. Our methods of replenishment are creams, pellets, injections and capsules. After reviewing your labs with the nurse practitioner you will discuss which method is best for you. At JoyRich Health Care Centers, we are proud to be specializing in therapy for testosterone & hormones!

Creams: Are compounded specifically for each patient. They are usually applied twice daily and absorbed into the skin. This method of delivery is a slower process and your results may vary due to absorption rate and compliance with applying the creams.

Pellets: Pellets are made up of either estradiol or testosterone. The hormones are pressed or fused into very small solid cylinders. These pellets are larger than a grain of rice and smaller than a ‘Tick Tac’. In the United States, the majority of pellets are made by compounding pharmacists and delivered in sterile glass vials. There is a ‘FDA approved’ 75 mg testosterone pellet. Pellets have been used in both men and women since the late 1930’s. The insertion of pellets is a simple, relatively painless procedure done under local anesthesia. The pellets are usually inserted in the upper buttocks through a small incision, which is then taped. After the insertion of the implants, vigorous physical activity is avoided for 48 hours in women and up to 5 to 7 days in men. Early physical activity is a cause of “extrusion”, which is a pellet working its way out. Complications from the insertion of pellets can include; minor bleeding or bruising, discoloration of the skin, infection, and the possible extrusion of the pellet. Other than slight bruising, or discoloration of the skin, these complications are very rare.

Testosterone stimulates the bone marrow and increases the production of red blood cells. A low testosterone level in older men can be associated with anemia. Testosterone, delivered by implants or other methods, can cause an elevation in the red blood cells. If the hemoglobin and hematocrit (blood count) get too high, a unit of blood may be donated. Testosterone may cause a slight increase in facial hair, deeper voices, and acne in some women.

Injections: Intramuscular testosterone has been used for years due to its effectiveness and low cost. Testosterone suspended in grape seed oil is injected directly into the muscle usually once a week or every two weeks. Your body slowly absorbs the testosterone into the bloodstream. Intramuscular testosterone injections are deep and may produce pain, site reactions, or severe itching.

Capsules: Progesterone Capsules are available in multiple strengths to afford dosage flexibility for optimum management. Progesterone Capsules contain 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg micronized progesterone and are usually taken one to two hours before bedtime.

We are here to help!

Contact us for a FREE CONSULTATION on HRT
to find out more benefits and specific risks of HRT- Hormone Replacement Therapy.