Hormone Therapy

Embrace Wellness Through Hormonal Health

Do you feel that your body is speaking a language you can’t quite decipher lately? Maybe it’s through sudden waves of heat, known as hot flashes, that seem to come out of nowhere. Or perhaps it’s the emotional rollercoaster of unexplained mood swings, leaving you feeling like you’re not in control. Maybe your libido isn’t what it used to be, and you’re wondering why the desire and passion you once felt seems to have dimmed. These changes can be bewildering and unsettling, and they might even make you feel disconnected from your own body.

You’re not alone in this. Many men and women experience these perplexing changes, often not realizing they could be signs of hormonal imbalances. These shifts in your body and emotions are not just random occurrences; they’re signals indicating that something deeper may need attention. It’s more than just physical changes – it’s about how you feel in your skin, how you experience your day-to-day life, and how you connect with others.

Your journey to getting back to your old self starts with understanding these signals from your body. At AC Wellness, we’re here to guide you through this journey, offering compassionate care and expert advice every step of the way. Let’s embrace this change together and rediscover the balance and joy in your life.

Understanding Hormones and Their Roles in Our Bodies

Hormones are not just chemical messengers; they are integral components in the intricate symphony of our body’s functions. These hormones orchestrate a wide range of critical processes, from regulating mood and controlling metabolism to influencing reproductive health and growth. They act as keys that unlock various bodily functions, ensuring that everything from your heart rate to your brain function works in harmony.

An imbalance in these hormones, however, can disrupt this harmony, leading to significant health issues and physical and emotional symptoms. These symptoms can include fatigue, weight gain, reduced libido and so many more, underscoring the importance of hormonal balance in maintaining your overall health and wellness.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment designed to replenish hormones within the body that are at low levels. HRT, a beneficial therapy for both men and women, works by administering these hormones to balance the body’s levels and alleviate symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances.

Restoring a healthy balance to your hormone levels can help your body function at its best, significantly improving your quality of life across various aspects, from physical vigor to mental clarity and emotional stability.

Hormone replacement therapy at AC Wellness offers a compassionate and understanding solution to restore your hormonal balance, helping you reconnect with the vitality you deserve and feel like yourself again.

Issues Treated With Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT is effective in improving a range of symptoms, including:

• Mood swings and irritability
• Decreased libido and sexual performance issues
• Unexplained weight gain or a resistance to weight loss
• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Sleep disturbances
• Skin aging and elasticity issues
• Hot flashes
• Genitourinary Symptoms of Menopause (GSM) such as vaginal dryness or urinary symptoms

What Hormones Are Used in HRT?

Hormone replacement therapy involves the use of several key hormones, depending on the specific needs and health conditions of the individual. The most commonly used hormones in HRT include:

• Estrogen: One of the primary female sex hormones, estrogen is crucial for many bodily functions. It’s often prescribed for women experiencing menopausal symptoms, as estrogen levels naturally decline during this period. Estrogen therapy can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness and bone density loss.
• Progesterone: This hormone is usually administered in combination with estrogen for women who have not had a hysterectomy, but it can sometimes benefit women who have had a hysterectomy. Progesterone helps balance the effects of estrogen and is important for maintaining the health of the uterine lining.
• Testosterone: Although commonly known as a male hormone, testosterone is also essential in women for bone strength, brain function and the maintenance of muscle mass. In men, testosterone therapy is used to treat symptoms of andropause (male menopause) or testosterone deficiency, such as decreased libido, fatigue and muscle weakness.
• Thyroid Hormone: In cases of hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone, HRT is used to supplement low levels and manage symptoms like fatigue and weakness, weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels, dry skin and hair, depression and menstrual irregularities.
• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): This hormone is a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone and is sometimes used to enhance libido or improve well-being in older adults.

What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones represent a revolutionary approach for HRT. These hormones are derived from natural plant estrogens and are biologically identical to the hormones produced naturally by your body. Due to their chemical and molecular similarity to your body’s own hormones, bioidentical hormones offer a more natural approach to hormone replacement, known as biological hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). This close match can lead to better tolerance and fewer side effects compared to synthetic hormones.

Personalized BHRT: Finding the Right Balance for Your Hormone Levels

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We tailor your hormone dosage and combine different hormones in precise ratios (if more than one type of hormone is required) to match your unique hormonal profile. This personalized process allows us to find the right balance for your hormone levels to address your specific imbalances and related issues. We also adjust your treatment plan as necessary throughout your BHRT to optimize efficacy and minimize potential side effects.

How Are Hormones Administered for HRT?

At AC Wellness, we offer diverse methods of administering bioidentical hormones, including the following:

• Pellets: Our most popular method, which involves a simple and minimally invasive procedure to place a long-lasting pellet beneath your skin
• Creams and Patches: Topically applied to the skin for those who prefer a noninvasive approach
• Troches: Dissolve between the lip and gum
• Pills: Progesterone can help with sleep by taking it orally

Our experienced clinical staff at AC Wellness can help you make an informed decision about your hormone administration method that aligns with your goals.

Beginning the Process of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Each HRT journey begins with a comprehensive consultation and hormone level testing to establish a baseline. A treatment plan tailored to your specific needs is then developed. Regular monitoring of your hormone levels and progress ensures the plan remains effective and safe.

When Will I See Results From Hormone Therapy?

The treatment timeline varies, but many experience symptom relief within a few weeks of starting hormone replacement therapy.

Balance Your Hormones and Improve Your Quality of Life

Hormonal balance is vital for overall health. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy offers a path to regain this balance and enhance your quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance or just want to learn more about HRT, we invite you to connect with our specialists.

Ready to feel like yourself again? Call AC Wellness at 816-326-7294 and schedule your consultation today!