Hormone Optimization Therapy: What Is It and How Does It Work?

Ideal Patients

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often used for menopause relief. Menopause is a natural part of aging. Before and during menopause, your hormone levels can fluctuate.

As a result, you could experience vaginal dryness, night sweats, and hot flashes. For some patients, symptoms are mild. If your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, consider HRT.

However, HRT isn't for everyone. You're likely not an ideal candidate if you:

• Are pregnant
• Have problems with vaginal bleeding
• Have liver disease
• Develop blood clots
• Had a store or heart attack
• Have/had certain types of cancer

Schedule a consultation appointment at our offices to determine if you're an ideal candidate for treatment. 

Types of HOT

After reviewing your bloodwork, your doctor will determine if you need testosterone, estrogen, and/or progesterone. They'll also check your DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormone levels. While creating your personal therapy plan, you'll discuss the types of HOT available.

Here are a few types to consider. 

Pellets

With this option, your doctor will insert bio-identical hormones in the form of pellets under your skin. The pellets will slowly release a regulated dose into your body over time. 

Your doctor will need to reinsert pellets every three to four months to help you maintain natural hormone levels. 

Injectables

Injectables can deliver the hormones you need quickly, safely, and effectively. You can administer hormones on a bi-weekly or weekly basis. 

There's no downtime involved with this option. However, you'll need to schedule appointments more frequently if you choose this route. 

Capsules

You can also take capsules orally, usually once a day, as part of your treatment plan. 

Make sure to take your capsules at the same time each day. Doing so will maximize the therapy's efficacy. 

Topicals

You can administer hormones to your system using topicals. Options include gels, creams, and sprays. Your body will absorb the topical into your bloodstream through your skin. 

You'll need to apply the topical at least once a day.

Low Libido

A decline in sex hormones can lower your libido as you age. Lowered libido can impact your sexual performance and relationships. 

Bio-identical hormones can restore your libido, allowing you to live a healthy and fulfilling sex life. 

Fatigue

Fatigue can affect your ability to focus throughout the day. Improving your natural hormone levels will help you feel younger. 

Low estrogen, testosterone, or cortisol levels could cause tiredness. It's possible you're struggling with high progesterone levels, too. Balancing these hormones can help you get more energy. 

Difficulty Concentrating

Brain fog can make it difficult for you to think or focus. You might feel more forgetful, too. Post-menopausal women often report declines in cognitive function.

Increasing your hormone levels could reverse these effects. 

Weight Changes

If you notice drastic weight changes in a short period of time, it could indicate hormone decline.

Leptin and ghrelin are hormones that play a part in regulating hunger cues. Leptin tells the body you're full, while ghrelin prompts you to eat more. When these hormones are out of balance, it could prompt you to eat when you don't need to.

Your body uses glucose as fuel. When glucose can't enter cells due to insulin hormone sensitivity, your body will store it as fat.

Bio-identical hormones can help stabilize your weight by balancing these hormones. 

Anxiety and Depression

A hormone imbalance could trigger feelings of anxiety. Anxiety could impact your quality of life. You might experience symptoms of depression as well.

Hormone fluctuations can also affect your mood. You might experience mood fluctuations if you develop a hormone imbalance. Increasing your estrogen levels with hormone therapy could help.