Hormone Testing and Replacement

Bioidentical Hormones 

1.  These are substances made from natural substances, and are also known as natural hormone therapy. 

2.  They are produced from wild yams, cactus and soy. 

3.  Wild yams have been used in traditional medicine to treat menopausal symptoms, asthma, muscle ailments, and stomach issues. Wild yams also have anti-inflammatory properties, antispasmodic properties, and may reduce photo aging. 

4.  Saliva, blood or urine specimens can help determine your hormonal status and aid in formulating a treatment plan specific for you. 

Our hormone testing and replacement services include:

● Female Hormone Testing and Replacement: We offer comprehensive testing and replacement therapy for female hormones, including estrogen and progesterone Absolutely! Let's dive into female hormone replacement therapy (HRT). 

What is HRT? 

● Replacing Lost Hormones: HRT is a type of medication that replaces the hormones your body stops producing in sufficient quantities during menopause, primarily estrogen and sometimes progesterone. 

● Alleviating Symptoms: It helps manage common menopausal symptoms like: 

○ Hot flashes 

○ Night sweats 

○ Vaginal dryness 

○ Mood swings 

○ Sleep problems 

● Osteoporosis Prevention: Estrogen replacement can help protect against bone loss and reduce fracture risk. 

Types of HRT 

● Systemic Estrogen Therapy: Available in various forms (pills, skin patches, gels, sprays). It affects the whole body, helping with most menopausal symptoms. 

● Low-Dose Vaginal Estrogen: Comes in cream, tablet, or ring form and targets vaginal symptoms primarily. It minimizes the amount of estrogen absorbed by the body. 

● Combined Hormone Therapy (Estrogen + Progestin): Designed for women who still have their uterus. Progestin protects against endometrial cancer, which can be a risk with estrogen therapy alone. 

Who should consider HRT? 

HRT is an option for women experiencing troublesome menopausal symptoms. 

It is an individual decision based on your risk factors and the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor is the best person to assess if HRT is right for you.

Benefits of HRT 

● Improved quality of life by reducing menopausal symptoms. 

● May decrease the risk of osteoporosis. 

● Potential benefits for heart health and cognitive function (still being researched). 

Risks of HRT 

● Increased risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart disease (though the risk is generally low for healthy women under 60 or within 10 years of menopause). 

● May slightly increase the risk of breast cancer with long-term use. 

● Can cause side effects like bloating, breast tenderness, and spotting. 

Important Considerations 

● Not For Everyone: HRT isn't suitable for women with certain health conditions like a history of breast cancer or blood clots. 

● Personalized Approach: Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate type, dose, and duration of HRT based on your individual needs and health profile. 

● Regular Monitoring: If you take HRT, it's vital to have regular check-ups with your doctor to assess ongoing risks and benefits. 

● Male Hormone Testing and Replacement: Our team provides testing and replacement therapy for male hormones, including testosterone.

What is TRT? 

● Restoring Testosterone: TRT involves supplementing testosterone levels in men whose bodies aren't producing enough of this crucial hormone, a condition called hypogonadism. 

● Forms of TRT: Testosterone can be administered through various methods: 

○ Injections (most common) 

○ Skin patches 

○ Gels 

○ Pellets implanted under the skin 

Reasons for TRT 

● Hypogonadism: TRT is primarily used to treat hypogonadism, which can be caused by: 

○ Aging (testosterone levels naturally decline as men age) 

○ Injury or issues with the testicles 

○ Issues with the pituitary gland, which controls testosterone production 

● Transgender Hormone Therapy: TRT is an essential part of gender-affirming hormone therapy for transgender men. 

Potential Benefits of TRT

● Improved Sexual Function: Increase libido, erectile function, and sexual satisfaction. 

● Increased Muscle Mass and Strength: Stimulates muscle growth and improves strength. 

● Reduced Body Fat: May help with weight management and reduce body fat percentage. 

● Improved bone density: Testosterone plays a role in bone health, reducing osteoporosis risk. 

● Mood and Cognitive Benefits: May improve mood, energy levels, and some aspects of cognition. 

Potential Risks of TRT 

● Increased Red Blood Cell Count: Can make blood thicker, potentially raising the risk of blood clots. 

● Cardiovascular Risks: Unclear if TRT increases long-term heart disease risks; requires further research. 

● Prostate Issues: Could worsen existing prostate enlargement or prostate cancer. 

● Sleep Apnea: Can contribute to or worsen sleep apnea in some men. 

● Others: Possible side effects include acne, fluid retention, and breast tenderness. 

Important Considerations 

● Diagnosis is Key: TRT should only be considered if you have confirmed low testosterone levels with appropriate blood tests and after ruling out other health conditions. 

● Doctor Supervision: TRT should always be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. They'll monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed. 

● Not a Magic Bullet: TRT is not a cure-all and won't guarantee massive muscle gains or fix all health problems. It should be combined with healthy lifestyle choices for optimal benefits.