As we age, hormone levels decrease in both men and women. Furthermore, nutritional deficiencies contribute to these imbalances making us feel worse. Hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment designed to supplement or replace hormones that the body is no longer producing. This therapy aims to alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances and restore the body's natural hormone levels. In Houston, many clinics offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, which uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. However, few optimize the nutritional deficiencies that are equally important to improving health. At Premier Health & Wellness The Woodlands, we focus on both.
Optimizing Your Hormones and Micronutrients
Optimizing your hormones and micronutrients may help libido, sleep, energy, and your overall function.
Patients report improvements in many of the following symptoms:
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Sleep Problem
Difficulty concentrating
Mood swings
Muscle and joint pain
Decreased libido
Erectile dysfunction
Hair loss
Irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Weight gain
Decreased energy
Vaginal dryness
Painful sexual intercourse
These are signs of menopause and peri-menopause in women, and andropause (Low T) in men. Hormone imbalance may also include other more subtle symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance In Women
Women experience a variety of symptoms that ranges from mild to severe. Symptoms of hormonal imbalances may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, urinary problems, mood swings, depression and anxiety, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, weight gain, reduced muscle mass and strength, thinning hair, dry skin, decreased libido, painful intercourse, and loss of bone density.
Common Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance In Men
Men experiencing hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone levels, may notice symptoms such as decreased libido, insomnia, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and muscle loss. Other common signs include mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and increased body fat, especially around the midsection.
Common Symptoms Of Micronutrient Deficiency
In the US, severe micronutrient deficiencies are rare. Instead, very subtle signs of deficiency occur that can often mimic other disorders especially hormone imbalances. People may notice symptoms such as thinning or loss of hair, dry, scaly skin, bleeding gums, bone and joint pain, fatigue, mood changes, depression, digestive problems and frequent infections.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy and How Does It Work?
Understanding the basics of hormone replacement therapy
The most common hormones used in hormone replacement therapy include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones play crucial roles in various bodily functions and can significantly impact a person's overall well-being. Estrogen and progesterone are primarily used to treat symptoms of menopause in women, while testosterone therapy is prescribed for men experiencing andropause or low testosterone levels.
Importance of personalized consultations
We get so many dissatisfied patients from other clinics. Often, the problem is that the initial evaluation did not include a nutritional assessment and thus an opportunity to optimize care was lost. Personalized consultations are crucial in determining the most effective hormone and micronutrient replacement therapy for your individual needs. This comprehensive approach ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to address your specific hormonal imbalances and health goals.
The process of our unique hormone replacement therapy
Most people take our online test to identify their risk of having hormone imbalances and whether hormone therapy is for them. Then, they contact us for a consultation. Our process of hormone replacement therapy begins with a comprehensive consultation, evaluation of the patient's hormone levels and checking vitamin levels. Blood tests are conducted to determine which hormones and vitamins are deficient and to what extent. Based on these results, a personalized treatment plan is developed, which may include various methods of hormone administration, such as oral medications, topical creams, and supplements to complement the hormone treatment.
What Are the Different Methods of Hormone Replacement Therapy Available?
Oral medications and their effectiveness
Hormone pills are a common method of administering hormone replacement therapy. These pills contain hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone and are taken daily. While oral medications can be effective, they may have a higher risk of side effects compared to other methods due to the first-pass effect through the liver. Both synthetic and bioidentical hormones may be used for this method. Synthetic hormones are used in traditional hormone replacement therapy while bioidentical hormone therapy aims to provide a more natural hormone therapy.
Topical creams and gels
Hormone replacement therapy can also be administered through topical creams and gels applied directly to the skin. This method allows for steady hormone absorption and can be particularly effective for localized symptoms. Many patients in Houston prefer this option due to its ease of use and potentially lower risk of systemic side effects. These are also provided either through synthetic hormones or bioidentical hormones.
How Long Does It Take to See Results from Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Typical timeline for symptom improvement
The timeline for experiencing results from hormone replacement therapy can vary depending on the individual and the specific symptoms being treated. Some patients may notice improvements in energy levels and mood within a few weeks, while other symptoms, such as hot flashes or vaginal dryness, may take several months to fully resolve. It's important to have realistic expectations and understand that hormone balancing is a gradual process.
Monitoring and adjusting hormone levels
Regular monitoring of hormone levels is essential for ensuring the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy. Your healthcare provider will schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress, evaluate any changes in symptoms, and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. This ongoing monitoring helps to maintain optimal hormone balance and minimize potential side effects.
Hormone Replacement Therapy In Houston
While there are many options, we provide a unique and convenient option. We aim to provide a comprehensive approach that addresses both hormonal and nutritional needs. Contact our office and schedule an appointment. We can get you started right away.
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