Understanding Hormones and Their Importance

Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate many critical bodily functions and processes. When hormone levels decline or become imbalanced, wide-ranging symptoms and health issues can occur. Getting hormone levels tested and pursuing treatment if deficient is essential.

Deficiency Signs and Symptoms

Some common signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance in both men and women may include:

Hot flashes, night sweats
Sleep disturbances, insomnia
Fatigue, low energy, lack of mental focus
Anxiety, irritability, depression
Loss of interest in exercise or intimacy
Weight gain, difficult losing weight
Brain fog, memory lapses, difficulty concentrating

If experiencing any persistent issues like these, hormone testing is recommended to pinpoint imbalances.

Basics of Hormone Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy can restore optimal hormone levels, thereby relieving deficiency symptoms and promoting better health. Treatment typically involves supplementation with bioidentical hormones - identical on a molecular level to those the body produces.

Methods of hormone therapy include:

Oral supplements
Patches
Topical gels/creams
Injections
Subdermal pellets

Dosages and delivery methods are tailored to the individual’s lab results, medical history, lifestyle factors, and preference.

Multiple Benefits

Patients report wide-ranging benefits from undergoing hormone therapy, such as:

Increased energy and stamina
Improved mood and cognitive function
Reduced anxiety and irritability
Deeper, more restful sleep
Healthy weight loss outcomes
Heightened sex drive and function
Overall enhanced quality of life

Importance of Timely Treatment

The earlier hormone imbalances can be identified and treatment initiated, the better. Allowing deficiencies to persist long term can increase risks for various diseases and health complications like:

Heart disease
Osteoporosis
Dementia
Depression
Metabolic disorders

It also enables patients to enjoy the wide array of benefits from optimized hormone levels for more years.

Your Trusted HRT Provider

Located in Cameron, Renewal Hormone Center has extensive expertise in hormone therapy - having successfully treated thousands of patients since 2007.

Our comprehensive services include:

Advanced diagnostic testing
Custom compounded HRT
Supportive nutritional guidance
Follow-up monitoring

We are led by Dr. April Yin, PhD, NP-C, a nationally-recognized leader in the field of bioidentical hormone therapy. With her specialized training and over 15 years' experience providing HRT, patients know they are in exceptionally capable hands.

Renewal Hormone Center will partner closely with you throughout the process to ensure optimal treatment outcomes tailored for your unique needs. Contact us today to learn more and get started on feeling your best again through hormone therapy.

FAQ About Hormone Therapy

What is hormone therapy?

Hormone therapy involves taking hormones to supplement lower hormone levels or block the effect of certain hormones. It is used to treat symptoms of menopause, reduce the risk of certain diseases, support gender transitioning, and for other medical reasons. The types, doses, and delivery methods of hormones vary based on a person's needs and health factors. Typically, hormone therapy aims to restore hormone balance and relieve distressing symptoms.

Are there risks with hormone therapy treatment?

Yes, hormone therapy does have potential risks. The risks depend partly on the specific hormones being used, doses, and duration of treatment. Some general risks can include blood clots, heart disease, stroke, breast cancer, mood changes, interactions with other medications, and overdose symptoms. However, there are ways to minimize risks through close medical supervision, regular checkups, and by using the lowest effective hormone doses.

How long does hormone therapy usually last?

The duration of hormone therapy depends on the underlying reason for treatment. For menopausal symptoms, it may last a few years until menopause symptoms subside. For medical conditions like hypothyroidism or hypopituitarism, it needs to be continued lifelong in most cases. With gender transitioning, the ideal duration is still being studied but often lasts many years or lifelong. The duration is customized to each patient’s health status and needs.

What are the delivery methods of hormones?

Hormones can be taken by mouth as pills, sublingual tablets, or liquids. Skin patches release hormones through the skin into the bloodstream. Gels, creams and sprays are applied to the skin. Implants and shots inject hormones that get stored and slowly released in the body over weeks or months. Vaginal rings also steadily release hormones. Each delivery method has pros and cons regarding convenience, costs, effectiveness, and risks to discuss with a doctor.

How often do hormone levels need to be monitored during treatment?

It is crucial to monitor hormone levels every 3-6 months during active hormone therapy through blood or urine tests. Levels need to be kept within reasonable ranges based on the treatment goals. Doses may need periodic adjustment if hormone levels get too low or too high over time. Close monitoring allows maximizing benefits and minimizing potential risks. One's doctor determines the ideal monitoring timeline based on the hormones used and overall health profile.