Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that replenishes hormones when levels become low due to aging or other factors. As we get older, hormone levels naturally decline, leading to unpleasant symptoms. HRT can help alleviate issues like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, weight gain, and mood changes.
There are two main types of HRT: estrogen therapy and testosterone therapy. Estrogen therapy replaces estrogen levels in women, helping relieve menopause symptoms. Testosterone therapy, also called testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), boosts testosterone levels in both men and women. Restoring hormone balance leads to improved energy, sleep, libido, and overall wellbeing.
At Renew Hormone Institute in Longview, we specialize in customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Unlike synthetic hormones used in traditional HRT, bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by the body. This means they can be tailored to your individual hormone needs for better safety and efficacy.
There are several groups who may benefit from HRT:
As women approach menopause, estrogen levels sharply drop off. This often causes uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, urinary issues, trouble sleeping, and emotional changes. Estrogen therapy helps stabilize hormones to reduce these effects. It also protects long-term health by preventing bone loss and possibly heart disease.
Testosterone levels peak in the late teens and slowly decline with age. This gradual drop is normal, but more severe decreases cause troublesome symptoms. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, leads to low energy, reduced muscle mass, weight gain, poor concentration, and lower sex drive. Testosterone therapy (TRT) brings levels back to normal to reverse these effects.
Certain medical conditions are associated with hormone deficiencies, including adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, and hypothyroidism. HRT can be used alongside treatment for the underlying disorder to help manage symptoms.
HRT plays an important role in gender affirmation for transgender and nonbinary individuals. Estrogen therapy helps transgender women develop female secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone helps transgender men increase masculinization. This can significantly improve self-image and quality of life.
Determining who will benefit from HRT begins with a thorough history, physical exam, and hormone testing. We evaluate factors like symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to create a tailored treatment plan.
Some elements we assess:
Together, this information guides individually customized treatment planning to help patients realize the full benefits of hormone optimization.
There are variety of hormone preparations and treatment regimens used in HRT:
- Oral Estrogen - Estradiol tablets taken daily to maintain consistent hormone levels.
- Testosterone Creams - Creams provide daily topical testosterone directly over application sites with good skin absorption.
We thoughtfully determine which preparation and dosing schedule aligns best with each patient’s physiology, preferences, and lifestyle for secure long-term hormone balance.
Studies have found that hormone therapy started early in menopause may provide some protection against heart disease. This protective effect seems to continue for many years after the treatment is stopped. The reason for this long-lasting benefit is not fully understood.
Bioidentical hormone replacement offers advantages over traditional synthetic hormone therapy:
Balancing hormones with bioidentical HRT alleviates deficiency symptoms for improved wellbeing while closely mimicking normal physiology for enhanced safety.
HRT works best alongside a healthy lifestyle geared toward naturally supporting hormone health. We provide patients with tailored guidance on:
- Emphasize healthy fats, high-fiber carbs, and lean proteins - Reduce sugar, processed foods, simple carbs - Ensure adequate micronutrient intake - Stay hydrated
- Incorporate both cardio and strength training - Aim for 30-45 minutes daily, consistent schedule - Check with physician before new routines - Enjoy outdoor activities when possible
- Prioritize 7-9 hours nightly - Establish consistent bedtime routine - Optimize bedroom environment - Manage screen time before bed
- Make time for relaxation - Practice mindfulness techniques - Try yoga, meditation, deep breathing - Set healthful boundaries - Connect with community
Adopting lifestyle changes enhances treatment success by supporting the body’s innate hormone optimization.
If you are experiencing potential hormone deficiency symptoms, prompt medical evaluation is recommended. The onset of issues like fatigue, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, or unexplained weight changes should trigger lab testing to check hormone levels.
Catching and correcting imbalances early on delivers significant benefits:
Despite proven benefits, only about 5% of candidates receive hormone replacement. Many endure frustrating symptoms for years before seeking treatment. We aim to check biases against HRT by better educating our Longview neighbors that hormone imbalances are highly treatable medical conditions.
Renew Hormone Institute provides comprehensive testing and therapy for complete hormone solutions. Reach out today to begin your journey toward better health.
At Renew Hormone Institute Longview, we understand hormone balance is essential for vitality. Our caring medical staff appreciates how much low hormones can diminish quality of life across myriad aspects. We seamlessly guide patients through evaluation, testing, customized treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring for expert hormone management.
We help patients realize the full benefits of hormone optimization including:
We also provide:
Our Longview area hormone therapy clients enjoy excellent treatment outcomes within the comfort of their hometown. We guide HRT with an integrative medicine approach for whole person vitality. Contact us today to discover your unique path to hormone balance and better living.
