What is Hormone Therapy?

While many people are asking “What is Hormone Therapy?”, let’s start with a few of the basics.

1. What is a Hormone?
   Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by cell or gland or organ in the body. These messengers are sent out from one part of the body to affect cells in other parts of the body. Hormones are often released directly into the bloodstream, but they may also be secreted into ducts. Cells respond to a hormone when they express a specific “receptor” (molecule usually found on the surface of the cell.) which in turn causes a specific response from the cell.

1. What is a Hormone imbalance?
   If you think of your body and it’s Hormones as a perfectly orchestrated choir, when everything is in harmony, it works beautifully. If one member of the choir ( your bodies hormones) is out of tune, it can ruin the entire performance. This imbalance of hormones can have multiple effects on your body and mind.
2. What are the effects of a Hormone Imbalance?
   Hormones can have a wide range of effects on the body.

A Hormone Imbalance can cause…

• Mood swings
• Hot Flashes
• Night Sweats
• Weight Gain
• Insomnia
• Fatigue
• Low Libido (Low Sex Drive)
• Vaginal Dryness
• PMS
• Depression
• Fibrosis
• Foggy Memory

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? (HRT)

People who ask “What is Hormone Therapy” are surprised when they hear the advantages of this treatment and the ease of procedure  Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is given to some women whose estrogen and progesterone levels drop significantly because of the menopause. Estrogen and progesterone are hormones. HRT tops up a woman’s levels of essential hormones.
Hormone replacement therapy is the introduction of medications containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer makes after menopause. Some of these hormones include medical assisted Testosterone therapy, estrogen, and progesterone which are labeled the sex hormones. Thyroid, DHEA, pregnenolone, melatonin, cortisol and insulin are a few of the other hormones that can be evaluated or depleted. Hormones travel through the bloodstream, and receptors on the targeted cells tell the cell to perform a certain action. Once the process is completed, the hormone is broken down and leaves the body. Modern medicine has shown us that men and women with healthy levels of hormones are more energetic, more virile, stronger and more successful than those with imbalanced hormones.

 IS HORMONE THERAPY FOR EVERYONE?

While every person is different, here at JoyRich Health Care Centers, we offer a FREE CONSULTATION for those asking “What is Hormone Therapy” We will help you find the answer if Hormone Replacement Therapy is right for them.

We carefully monitor your levels and adjust them to healthy levels in order for you to live a happier more JoyFul life!

Our Program

Those who ask “What is Hormone Therapy”, should consult their Primary Care Facility to understand the benefits of such a program. JoyRich Health Care Centers IS a Primary Care Center and BEYOND!

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.

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 treatment. 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 treatment 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 treatment stimulates the bone marrow and increases the production of red blood cells. A low Testosterone treatment level in older men can be associated with anemia. Testosterone treatment, 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 treatment may cause a slight increase in facial hair, deeper voices, and acne in some women.

Injections: Intramuscular medical assisted Testosterone therapy has been used for years due to its effectiveness and low cost. Testosterone treatment 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 treatment into the bloodstream. Intramuscular Testosterone treatment 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.

At JoyRich Health Care Centers, We provide primary care to all patients in an ethical, high quality and compassionate way. We go above and beyond to understand each patients individual needs.

If you are looking for a Primary Care Center that not only answers the question
“What is Hormone Therapy..but we are here to meet ALL your Primary care needs…

We are here to help!