HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
During perimenopause and menopause, your production of estrogen and progesterone slows down. This causes the tell-tale symptoms of hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. These symptoms can be eased with hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone Replacement FAQs
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy corrects imbalances of estrogen and progesterone that occur later in life when your cycle changes and ultimately ceases. You will take synthetic or natural hormones to replace the hormones you no longer produce.
Why would a woman need hormone replacement therapy?
When your hormones fluctuate in the years just before your period ceases, hormone replacement therapy may help level them out so you don’t experience as many mood swings and hot flashes, or mental fog and vaginal dryness. Correcting hormone imbalances can improve your energy levels and make you feel better overall.
Women who have a hysterectomy prior to menopause experience “surgical menopause,” and may also benefit from hormone therapy. Whether used after a hysterectomy or natural menopause, hormone replacement offers possible protection against heart disease, unexplained weight gain, and osteoporosis.
Who is the ideal candidate?
Women who benefit from hormone therapy are those with severe menopausal symptoms. You may also consider the therapy if you have a family history of osteoporosis.
Women who’ve undergone surgical menopause after a hysterectomy usually benefit from estrogen-only hormone therapy.
When you undergo natural menopause, a combination of estrogen and progesterone is appropriate. Just taking estrogen increases your risk of cancer of the uterine lining. Adding progesterone encourages you to still shed this lining, so the risk of developing cancerous cells diminishes.
When should a woman start hormone therapy?
The average age of menopause is 51, but many women begin sooner or later. Consider therapy when you start to have symptoms that interfere with your life, not before. You can safely continue therapy for four or five years.
How do you take hormones?
Hormone replacement is available in a variety of forms. Talk to Dr. Lorenzo about the one that is best for your lifestyle and symptoms. Pills, a patch, time-released pellets, vaginal rings, creams, and gels are all options.
Are there risks with hormone therapy?
Women with a heightened risk of breast cancer or with a history of blood clots should not use hormone therapy. If you don’t experience menopausal symptoms, the therapy is unnecessary, too. Hormone therapy can increase some women’s risk of developing breast cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Discuss your concerns and your health history with Dr. Lorenzo. In many cases, the benefits of hormone therapy outweigh any risks.
BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE PELLET THERAPY
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is an alternative to traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that uses hormones that are structurally identical to those produced by the human body. One form of BHRT is the use of bioidentical estrogen and testosterone pellets. This therapy is used to help alleviate symptoms of menopause and other conditions related to hormonal imbalances.
For women, the loss of estrogen and testosterone as they age can lead to a variety of symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, low libido, vaginal dryness, and decreased energy levels. BHRT can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
Bioidentical hormone pellets are small, rice-sized pellets made of plant-derived hormones that are customized to each patient’s unique hormone levels. They are inserted just under the skin in a quick, minimally invasive procedure and release a consistent, low dose of hormones over a period of three to six months.
One of the benefits of using pellets is that they provide a sustained and consistent release of hormones, avoiding the fluctuations that can occur with other forms of BHRT such as creams or pills. This consistent release of hormones can also lead to improved mood, increased energy levels, and a reduction in hot flashes.
In addition to providing symptom relief, bioidentical hormone pellet therapy has been shown to have other health benefits. For example, estrogen replacement has been linked to a reduced risk of osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Testosterone replacement in women has been linked to improved libido, energy levels, and mental clarity.
It’s important to note that while BHRT is considered a safe and effective treatment option for many women, it’s not right for everyone. Before starting therapy, it’s important to have a comprehensive evaluation and discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider.
Pellet therapy also requires maintenance and monitoring. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to assess hormone levels and determine if any adjustments to the therapy are needed. It’s also important to discuss any changes in symptoms or health status with a healthcare provider, as well as any medications or supplements being taken.
In conclusion, bioidentical estrogen and testosterone pellet therapy can provide a safe and effective way for women to alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances and improve their overall quality of life. However, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate and discuss the risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy. Regular monitoring and maintenance appointments are also necessary for the best outcomes.
Insurance does not cover Pellet Hormone Replacement Therapy.
BHRT is considered an elective procedure. It can be done at our Modern Medical Spa, conveniently located next to our office. You will be responsible for payment at the time of the procedure.
Estrogen Therapy: Relief for Menopause Symptoms
Estrogen is the primary and most effective hormone therapy for treating hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disruption, and many of the vaginal and urinary changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. Systemic estrogen can also help prevent the accelerated bone loss that occurs after menopause and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures while treatment is continued. Estrogen is available in several formulations, allowing treatment to be individualized according to your symptoms, medical history, preferences, and risk factors. An estrogen pill is taken by mouth and provides effective whole-body treatment. A transdermal estrogen patch delivers estradiol through the skin and may be preferred for some women because it avoids the initial passage through the liver and may have a lower risk of blood clots than oral estrogen. Other topical formulations may be applied to the skin, while estrogen cream is most commonly used directly in the vagina to treat localized symptoms. The best formulation and dosage are different for every patient. At Complete Healthcare in Richland, Washington, our women’s health providers carefully review your symptoms, menstrual history, personal and family medical history, medications, and treatment goals before recommending therapy. Request an appointment or call 509-392-6700 to learn whether estrogen therapy may be appropriate for you.
Progesterone: Protecting the Uterus and Balancing Hormone Therapy
Progesterone is an important part of menopausal hormone therapy for most women who still have a uterus and are using systemic estrogen. Estrogen stimulates the uterine lining, and taking progesterone provides protection against excessive thickening of the lining and significantly reduces the risk of endometrial hyperplasia and uterine cancer associated with unopposed estrogen. Progesterone may be prescribed continuously every day or cyclically for part of each month, depending on whether a woman is still having periods, the estrogen dosage, bleeding patterns, and individual treatment goals. The most commonly used formulation is oral micronized progesterone, which is usually taken as a capsule at bedtime because it can cause drowsiness and may help some women sleep more comfortably. Other progestogen options may be considered when oral progesterone is not tolerated or when a different bleeding pattern is desired. Progesterone is not automatically needed after a hysterectomy, although certain medical circumstances may affect that recommendation. The providers at Complete Healthcare can determine whether you need progesterone, explain how and when to take it, evaluate any unexpected bleeding, and adjust treatment as needed. Schedule a menopause consultation to develop a hormone plan that is safe, understandable, and tailored to your needs.
Vaginal Estrogen for Dryness, Discomfort, and Urinary Symptoms
Declining estrogen levels can cause progressive changes in the vagina, vulva, bladder, and urethra, collectively known as the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. Symptoms may include vaginal dryness, burning, irritation, painful intercourse, decreased lubrication, urinary urgency, discomfort with urination, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Low-dose vaginal estrogen treats these tissues directly and is available as a vaginal cream, tablet, insert, or ring. Unlike systemic estrogen, low-dose vaginal estrogen produces minimal absorption into the bloodstream and is intended primarily to improve local vaginal and urinary symptoms rather than hot flashes or night sweats. Most women using standard low-dose vaginal estrogen do not need to add progesterone solely for uterine protection. Treatment may be continued long term when symptoms persist, with periodic reassessment by a healthcare provider. Women with unexplained vaginal bleeding or a history of an estrogen-sensitive cancer require additional evaluation and individualized counseling before beginning treatment. Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse are common, but they do not have to be accepted as an unavoidable part of aging. Contact Complete Healthcare at 509-392-6700 to discuss vaginal estrogen and other treatment options that may restore comfort, improve intimacy, and support urinary and vaginal health.
Testosterone Pellet Therapy for Selected Women
Testosterone therapy may be considered for carefully selected postmenopausal women experiencing persistent, distressing loss of sexual desire after other potential causes have been evaluated. These causes may include vaginal discomfort, medication effects, relationship concerns, depression, sleep disruption, thyroid disease, and inadequate estrogen treatment. The best-established potential benefit of testosterone therapy in women is improvement in sexual desire, arousal, sexual satisfaction, and the frequency of satisfying sexual experiences in women diagnosed with hypoactive sexual desire disorder. A testosterone pellet is placed beneath the skin during a brief office procedure and gradually releases testosterone over several months, eliminating the need for daily application. Because the pellet continues releasing medication after insertion and its dosage cannot be easily reduced or discontinued, careful patient selection, conservative dosing, symptom assessment, and laboratory monitoring are essential. Excessive testosterone exposure may cause acne, increased facial or body hair, scalp hair thinning, voice changes, or enlargement of the clitoris, some of which may not be fully reversible. Testosterone is not routinely recommended as a treatment for weight loss, fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, osteoporosis, or general anti-aging purposes. Complete Healthcare provides individualized evaluation and counseling so that women understand the potential benefits, limitations, alternatives, and risks before choosing pellet therapy.
Call 509-392-6700 to schedule a consultation and determine whether testosterone treatment is appropriate for your symptoms and goals.