Hormone therapy can provide life-changing relief from troublesome symptoms and improve quality of life for many people. This article provides an overview of hormone therapy, including the types of treatment available, common reasons for treatment, what to expect, and the potential benefits. We also share details on our hormone clinic based in Meraux and how we can help patients explore whether hormone therapy is right for them.
There are many reasons why hormone treatment may be recommended. Here are some of the most common:
As both men and women grow older, levels of key hormones start to decline. The most well known example is menopause in women, when estrogen levels drop drastically. However, men also experience declines in hormones like testosterone from their mid-30s onwards. Lower hormone levels can lead to troublesome symptoms that affect quality of life. Hormone therapy can help restore optimal hormone levels.
Also known as low testosterone or "low T," hypogonadism occurs when the body does not produce enough of the sex hormone testosterone on its own. This affects an estimated 2-6 million men in the United States. Symptoms include low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, and more. Testosterone therapy helps normalize levels.
Thyroid disorders, growth hormone deficiencies, and imbalances in cortisol and other hormones can also cause significant symptoms. Rebalancing hormones under medical supervision can provide welcome relief.
Hormone therapy aims to restore hormone levels back to an optimal range, thereby reducing troublesome symptoms.
There are a few main types of hormone therapy:
Often abbreviated as HRT, this involves taking supplemental estrogen and sometimes progesterone to treat common menopause symptoms in women like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis. HRT can be taken as pills, skin patches, gels, sprays, or vaginal creams/tablets.
Also called "TRT" or "androgen therapy", testosterone therapy is primarily used for hypogonadal men suffering from symptoms like fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression due to low testosterone levels. Testosterone is available in injections, gels, patches and pellets implanted under the skin. Oral formulations are generally avoided due to liver toxicity risks.
Bioidentical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones naturally produced by the human body. They are often plant-derived. Common examples include estradiol, progesterone and testosterone. Compounded bioidentical hormones can be customized for each patient in capsules, creams or gels.
Treatment for other hormone disorders like thyroid dysfunction, growth hormone deficiency, cortisol imbalances, and more work similarly - by taking hormone medication to restore levels back to an optimal range. This helps alleviate unpleasant symptoms and protects long term health.
Hormone therapy is customized to each patient's lab testing and symptoms during an initial physician consultation. Follow up lab work and symptom reviews help customize ongoing treatment.
It often takes some adjustment to find the optimal hormone regimen. The dose may need gradual changing to balance symptom relief and avoidance of side effects. Occasional lab work continues to ensure hormones stay in healthy ranges.
Most patients see significant improvements within a few months after starting therapy. Consistent use is key for ongoing benefits. Treatment is generally safe long term under medical guidance.
Some hormone therapy can be lifelong treatment, like thyroid medications. Others may only require short term use like some fertility treatments.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Studies show that access to gender-affirming care significantly reduces rates of anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation in this community. Hormone therapy plays an important role in supporting transgender people's mental health and well-being.
Restored hormone levels provide a wide range of benefits for both men and women:
Estrogen/progestogen HRT significantly reduces hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness/pain, bladder issues, and emotional changes for perimenopausal/menopausal women. Bone density also improves, reducing fracture risk.
Balanced estrogen, testosterone and thyroid hormone levels play crucial roles in maintaining a stable mood. Hormone optimization can help lift brain fog and relieve anxiety or depression.
Optimal hormone levels enhance alertness, endurance and workout capacity. Patients often report feeling "years younger" after undergoing treatment.
Insufficient testosterone contributes to sleep disturbances in over a third of older men. Estrogen assists with sleep regulation in women. Correcting deficiencies improves sleep quality.
Proper thyroid and growth hormone activity helps regulate metabolism. Ensuring normal hormone ranges facilitates easier weight loss when dieting.
Low hormone levels like testosterone commonly cause reduced sex drive and performance issues. Normalizing levels helps restore healthy sexuality and confidence for both sexes.
Age related hormone declines contribute significantly to frailty, sarcopenia (muscle loss) and metabolic disorders. Optimizing hormones assists healthy graceful aging.
*In summary, maintaining hormones in physiologically normal ranges provides extensive anti-aging and wellness benefits for men and women.
Renewed Balance Clinic provides personalized care for hormone optimization. As leaders in the field, we focus extensively on lifestyle as well as cutting edge therapies.
Benefits for our patients include:
We aim to make the process as streamlined and stress free for patients as possible. *So whether you are suffering from fatigue, insomnia, low libido or other unresolved issues, we encourage you to explore whether hormone therapy is right for you.
Detecting hormone disorders begins with awareness of common symptoms and/or risk factors. However, symptoms can be vague and overlapping between different conditions.
Therefore the key lies in comprehensive lab testing to identify specific deficiencies or excesses. This provides objective evidence to guide proper treatment.
At Renewed Balance Clinic we utilize advanced testing panels to uncover common issues like:
Based on results, we customize supplement, lifestyle and medication advice to restore normal balance.
Ongoing testing then ensures treatment efficacy with no over or under correction.
Thanks to modern diagnostics, identifying and resolving hormone disorders is more accurate than ever before. The first step is recognizing when to get tested.
While hormone therapy is often crucial for managing deficiencies, certain lifestyle measures also assist healthy endocrine function.
We provide patients comprehensive lifestyle guidance. Key areas to focus on include:
Following an anti-inflammatory diet high in antioxidants and healthy fats while avoiding excess carbs,processed foods and sugars helps reduce oxidative damage. Optimization of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium and other nutrients assists hormone production.
Regular training maintains healthy body composition and assists testosterone synthesis. However overtraining increases cortisol and may suppress endocrine function if insufficient recovery time allowed.
Adequate high quality sleep gives the body time to carry out repair processes that support hormone health. Disrupted inadequate sleep impairs metabolic, immune and endocrine function.
High unrelenting perceived stress increases cortisol and catecholamine production while lowering reproductive hormones. Adaptogenic herbs and mind-body practices like meditation help normalize stress response regulation.
Our providers offer detailed personalized recommendations on implementing lifestyle measures to assist wellness during hormone therapy.
Nestled on the Mississippi River just downriver from New Orleans, Meraux and nearby Chalmette/Arabi offer hormone therapy patients a relaxed base to optimize health away from big city stresses.
The historic Creole architecture, oak lined streets and community vibe in historic downtown Chalmette provide a glimpse into local life. Just across the levee, Meraux offers green spaces and local eateries to unwind.
We help patients find calm spots to walk, reflect and recharge like the Lower 9th Ward Living Museum or the Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge. For those needing some pampering during treatment, we also provide referrals to local spas and salons.
Of course Louisiana is famous for some of the most mouthwatering regional cuisines on earth. We provide references for farm-to-table restaurants focusing on fresh local specialties. Favorites include Cafe Dauphine, Russell's Marina Grill and Doson's Cajun Seafood.
For labs, imaging and other testing during therapy, we utilize services from renowned local healthcare networks like Ochsner.
Finally, while winters are mild, summers can be extremely hot and humid here on the Gulf Coast. For optimal comfort, we generally advise patients to begin therapy during the Fall through Spring. This allows the body to acclimate to treatment more gradually. However protocols are fully customized to the individual.
In summary, Meraux and surrounding communities provide a welcoming atmosphere for those considering hormone treatment programs with us. The slower pace of life allows space for self reflection and healing during therapy guided by our caring providers.
A: Yes, professional medical monitoring helps ensure ongoing safe use in most patients. However, potential risks still exist and should be reviewed before starting treatment.
A: Most patients notice significant improvements within 1-3 months. However symptom relief is gradual and customized protocols are continuously optimized for each individual.
A: Hormone medications rarely pose major drug interactions. However, we carefully screen your medications history before advising therapy.
A: Coverage varies widely between policies. We assist you in exploring options with your provider, including use of FSAs/HSAs where appropriate. Cash pay discounts are also available.
A: In general, bioidenticals closely match natural human biology. However quality oversight is crucial for safety. We utilize highly accredited compounding pharmacies.
