Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves supplementing hormones that are low or out of balance in order to alleviate unpleasant symptoms and improve overall health and wellbeing. It can be an effective treatment for both men and women experiencing issues related to hormonal decline.
At Restore Wellness Center in Warrior, AL, we specialize in customized HRT to help patients regain optimal hormone levels and feel their best again.
Our endocrine system produces many different hormones that work together to regulate various processes in the body and mind. When one or more of these hormones become imbalanced, whether due to aging, stress, medical conditions, or other factors, patients can experience significant symptoms that impact quality of life.
Some of the most common hormone imbalances and related symptoms include:
| Hormone Imbalance | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Low testosterone in men | Low energy, decreased muscle mass, weight gain, low libido, erectile dysfunction, mood changes |
| Low estrogen in women | Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, mood swings, trouble sleeping |
| Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) | Fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, constipation, dry skin and hair |
| High cortisol (from chronic stress) | Anxiety, trouble sleeping, weight gain, high blood pressure |
The first step in pursuing HRT is diagnostic testing to confirm any suspected hormone deficiencies or excesses. This typically involves blood tests that measure levels of key hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormone (T3 & T4), cortisol, and more.
Testing is essential to determine which hormones require balancing with supplementation or medication. Ongoing testing also helps monitor hormone levels during treatment to ensure proper dosing.
At Restore Wellness Center, our physicians utilize state-of-the-art lab testing to provide the most accurate hormone assessment possible.
Correcting hormonal imbalances with replacement therapy offers many potential benefits:
In both men and women, balanced hormones enhance one's overall sense of wellbeing and ability to enjoy life to the fullest.
There are a variety of treatment options for replenishing deficient hormones:
| Hormone | Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Testosterone | - Injections (Testosterone cypionate or enanthate)- Topical gels- Oral capsules |
| Estrogen | - Oral tablets (Estradiol, conjugated estrogens)- Transdermal patches- Topical gels/creams- Vaginal creams, rings, tablets |
| Thyroid hormone | - Levothyroxine oral tablets |
| DHEA | - Oral capsules |
| Progesterone | - Oral capsules or vaginal suppository |
The route of administration, dosing, and specific medications used will depend on the patient's individual needs and preferences. Our physicians determine the optimal protocol after thoroughly evaluating symptoms, test results, medical history, and tolerance.
What sets Restore Wellness Center apart is our integrative approach focused on the unique needs of each patient. Key features include:
Our mission is to help you look and feel your best by restoring hormone balance safely and effectively.
A: Men and women experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal decline like fatigue, low libido, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, or loss of muscle mass may benefit from HRT under the supervision of a hormone specialist. Blood tests help determine specific hormone deficiencies.
A: There are some health risks to consider, especially for women taking estrogen. But when used appropriately under medical guidance, HRT is generally quite safe, and side effects are minimal. Monitoring via bloodwork helps prevent complications.
A: Most patients notice some improvements within 2-6 weeks. But the full effects are seen after 3-6 months on an optimized hormone regimen. Patience is required to allow your body to rebalance.
A: This depends on the individual situation. Some only require short-term HRT until underlying issues are resolved. For age-related hormone decline, lifelong HRT may provide lasting benefits if properly monitored by a physician.
A: There should NOT be an abrupt "crash" if you discontinue HRT under medical supervision. Your physician will guide you through slowly tapering doses to allow the body to adjust without major hormonal fluctuations.
Hormone Replacement Therapy can be a life-changing treatment for those struggling with the effects of hormonal imbalances. At Restore Wellness Center, we take an individualized approach to help patients achieve optimal hormone balance and experience the many benefits it can provide. If you're experiencing symptoms related to hormonal decline, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to learn more about how HRT may be able to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
