What Is Hormone Therapy?
As we age, our body’s ability to naturally produce hormones may lessen or diminish. For many this is a natural occurrence, but for others, it may be the result of a condition that affects hormone production or surgery. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) helps replenish and replace the deficiency of hormones. Many people rely on HRT to live a comfortable and dignified life. The inability to produce hormones may lead to a reduced quality of life and debilitating symptoms.
What are the Symptoms of Hormone Deficiency?
Low Libido
Reduced estrogen and testosterone levels can reduce the sex drive in women and men respectively. For women, this may lead to vaginal dryness and cause sex to be more painful. For men, this may lead to erectile dysfunction and the inability to have sex.
Mood Swings
Low hormone production can lead to difficulties with mood such as depression, irritability, reduced attention, and even dementia. Discomforts such as hot flashes can lead to instability in mood.
Trouble Sleeping
Low testosterone can cause fatigue and insomnia. It is quite a predicament to be tired and unable to sleep. Low estrogen may also lead to difficulty sleeping in women. Increased body temperature and other irritable symptoms may make it difficult to sleep comfortably.
Treatment Options for Hormone Deficiency
There are some commercially available Hormone Replacement Therapy(HRT) options available. However, some are made of synthetic hormones and are available in very standard dosages. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) gives us the opportunity to provide natural hormone options that are closer to the hormones that our bodies make naturally. Additionally, we can individualize the dose to the specific patient.
Natural hormones include estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), Estriol (E3),progesterone, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and pregnenolone. Our compounding pharmacists work together with patients and prescribers to provide customized hormone replacement therapy that provides the needed hormones in the most appropriate strength and dosage form to meet each patient’s specific needs. Hormone replacement therapy should be initiated carefully after a patient’s medical and family history has been reviewed. Every patient is unique and will respond to therapy in her own way. Close monitoring and medication adjustments are essential.
Dosage forms for BHRT
- Buccal Troches
- Topical Creams for Women
- Vaginal Creams for Women
- Topical Gels for Men
The TrueCare Process for Individualized Hormone Replacement Therapy
Step 1: Evaluation Form - Complete the online evaluation form. This allows us to know your individual needs
Step 2: Hormone Test - Our BHRT Specialist, Jennifer, will contact you and discuss test options.
Step 3: Initial Consultation - An initial consultation will occur either over the phone or in person with Jennifer, our BHRT specialist. We will discuss your evaluation form, symptoms and other medications.
Step 4: Treatment Plan - Following your initial consultation a treatment plan will be provided to your provider of choice for approval to treat and prescribe.
Step 5: Follow-up - After about 6-8 weeks we will follow up with you to discuss your current treatment and see if any adjustments to your treatment will need to be made.