Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), the right fit for you?

As women age, levels of estrogen the body naturally produces begin to decline. HRT (also known as Hormone Therapy, or Hormone Replacement Therapy) is proven to be one of the most effective treatments available for women struggling with symptoms of age, such as menopause. HRT can also reduce a woman’s risk of developing osteoporosis and some forms of cancer.

Hormone deficiencies can cause some uncomfortable changes in a woman’s body. Although hormone imbalances can be a normal part of life, they can have a largely negative impact on daily life. That’s where Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, can make all the difference in the world.

What are some common causes of hormonal imbalance?

Hormone levels are naturally in a delicate balance, and the balance within the body can be disrupted by a variety of subtle changes.

As one of the primary female hormones, estrogen plays a key role in the physical, emotional, and sexual wellbeing in a woman’s life. A decline in naturally produced estrogen levels can have far-reaching adverse effects.

Stress can be a major contributing factor. Stress triggers the production of Cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal gland that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. High levels of cortisol caused by stress have been linked to a decrease in sex hormones, including the production of estrogen.

Some women also experience pregnancy-related hormonal imbalances. Estrogen and progesterone occur naturally at increased levels during pregnancy, playing a crucial role in fertility and fetal development.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) occurs when an abnormal amount of androgens, which are hormones usually present in women in small amounts, are released by the ovaries. Symptoms can include an irregular menstrual cycle, hirsutism, acne, thinning hair, and skin darkening.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy looks to replace the estrogen that your body no longer makes due to a naturally occurring imbalance or after going through menopause.

Perimenopause and menopause are changes that usually occur around midlife, with hormonal changes potentially sabotaging everything from weight loss, mood and sleep, to a woman’s skin and sex life. Though some symptoms are more severe than others, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) looks to bring the body back into balance.

Hormone replacement therapy usually consists of medication, taken or applied. When taken, the medication makes up for the estrogen that your body stops making over time

What are some of the benefits of HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy offers some real benefits. Improvements in energy levels, memory, concentration, sex drive, body composition, and mood are common results experienced by a successful HRT program. HRT can also decrease the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, and prevent vaginal thinning and dryness.

Who can benefit from hormone therapy?

If you consider yourself a healthy person and are looking for a solution to any of the following issues, then HRT may be the right fit for you.

There are many physical and psychological factors that can contribute to low libido

LEARN MORE

Women suffering from vaginal symptoms of menopause, as well as women suffering from decreased libido, should ask their doctor if HRT is right for them. Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) can appear in a myriad of ways, with effects ranging from reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness, vaginal atrophy, and pain during intercourse.

Women experiencing problems with thinning hair or loose skin may also benefit from HRT. Hormonal imbalance can negatively affect follicular proliferation and differentiation, as well as tissue remodeling and the hair growth cycle. A decrease in naturally produced estrogen can also make skin thinner and less elastic, leading to wrinkles and skin sag.

HRT has helped countless women who struggle to lose or maintain a healthy weight due to hormonal imbalances.

One of the most telling signs of a hormone deficiency can be in the state of mind. Hormonal imbalances can contribute heavily to mood swings. Research shows that fast or significant changes in hormone levels can cause moodiness and the blues.

Although changes in mood over time are nothing to be alarmed about, it may be time to talk with a medical professional if mood swings become severe and regularly occurring.

Ongoing fatigue is a symptom of a hormonal imbalance as well, with HRT showing improvements in many cases. Hormone replacement therapy can also help regulate the sleep cycle, and promote deeper and more relaxing sleep.

What are the risks of hormone therapy?

There are certain risks involved with Hormone Replacement Therapy for women, but studies suggest that the risks vary on a case-by-case basis. Generally, if hormone therapy is started before the age of 60, or within 10 years of menopause, the benefits seem to far outweigh the risks.

In fact, a woman’s age, type of hormone therapy, and health history all play major roles in the overall safety and effectiveness of any HRT program prescribed by a medical professional.

Both family and personal medical history, including individuals with an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, blood clots, liver disease, and osteoporosis, play an important role in evaluating whether or not a client is a good candidate to undergo any HRT program.

All of these risks should be considered by you and your doctor when deciding if hormone therapy might be the right option for you.

When undergoing hormone therapy, how can you reduce the risk?

Making healthy daily lifestyle choices such as including physical activity or exercise, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress can also help to lower some of the risks involved with HRT.

At Innovative Women’s Health, we pride ourselves on providing a product and delivery method that’s right for each client individually. Each woman’s treatment needs are unique, and it is our job to find the treatment that’s the right fit for each of our clients.
.
We are looking to utilize the lowest effective dose for the shortest amount of time. Whether you are a woman under 45, or dealing with lasting menopausal symptoms that significantly impair your quality of life, we’ll look to find the solution that’s the right fit for you. We’ll also be by your side every step of the way, offering the best in support and follow-up care.

Innovative Women’s Health - Who we are.

Innovative Women’s Health is a team of board-certified doctors and licensed physicians treating medical conditions specific to women. We have over 50 years of total medical experience, with thousands of happy patients experiencing a 99% success rate.

We continually strive to enhance existing technologies and offer our clients the highest level of medical care tailored to each individual.

If you are currently living with a hormonal imbalance, you are not alone. Our team of doctors is specially trained and certified in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and functional medical practices to ensure every client receives an elite level of care that maximizes their health potential.

DO YOU HAVE SIGNS THAT YOU NEED HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY?

If you think that HRT might be a good fit for you, reach out to start a conversation with Innovative Women’s Health. We have HRT clinics in both Seattle and Bellevue accepting patients throughout the greater Seattle area.

LEARN MORESCHEDULE AN APPT.