Hormone therapy Angleton , TX - Hormone Harmony Clinic

Overview of Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy can provide relief from uncomfortable symptoms and improve quality of life when hormones become imbalanced. This informative guide covers the basics of hormone therapy, common reasons it is used, what to expect, and tips for getting the most out of treatment.

What is Hormone Therapy?

Hormone therapy supplements hormones that your body may no longer be producing at adequate levels. It can bring relief when menopause, andropause, thyroid issues or other conditions cause uncomfortable signs and symptoms. Customized treatment replenishes your body with nutrients it needs to function optimally.

Who Benefits from Hormone Therapy?

Both men and women can benefit. Some common reasons people pursue hormone therapy include:

• Menopausal Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, weight gain, fatigue, mood changes and more may occur during perimenopause and menopause. Low estrogen and progesterone cause these symptoms.
• Andropause: Low testosterone levels in men can cause low energy, mood changes, sleep issues, loss of muscle mass, erectile dysfunction and decreased sexual function.
• Thyroid Problems: Both low (hypothyroidism) and high (hyperthyroidism) thyroid hormone levels greatly impact the body. Weight changes, sweating, heart palpitations, hair loss, bowel issues and fatigue often stem from thyroid troubles.

What are the Benefits?

Relieving frustrating symptoms is one of the top reasons both men and women seek hormone therapy. Benefits may also include:

• Reduced risk of osteoporosis and bone fractures
• Improved energy levels and ability to complete day-to-day activities
• Enhanced mood, cognition and overall sense of wellbeing
• Increased muscle mass and ability to get in shape easier
• Fuller hair and improved skin tone and texture

The benefits you experience will depend on your individual hormone needs. An experienced hormone replacement therapy specialist can help determine what outcomes you may expect.

Diagnosing Hormone Imbalances

Undergoing testing is crucial prior to starting any treatment protocol. Diagnosing specific hormone deficiencies or abnormalities allows customized therapy targeting your unique needs.

We utilize advanced diagnostic testing that goes beyond the standard screenings your primary physician orders. Getting to the root cause of symptoms provides the best opportunity for excellent treatment outcomes.

Here are details on specialized testing we frequently order:

Blood Testing

Blood tests check circulating hormone levels and other biomarkers to uncover imbalances. We will test key hormones including but not limited to:

• Estradiol: Primary estrogen hormone that decreases during perimenopause and menopause. Low levels cause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, pain with intimacy and accelerated aging.
• Progesterone: Regulates menstruation and supports pregnancy and embryotic development. Low levels lead to irregular periods, infertility, and increased risk for female cancers.
• Testosterone: Necessary for male reproduction and embryonic development. Low testosterone in both men and women causes fatigue, mood instability, low sex drive, hair loss and loss of lean muscle mass.
• DHEA: Precursor to estrogen and testosterone. Declines with age. Supplementing DHEA alleviates menopause and andropause symptoms.
• Thyroid hormones T3, T4 and TSH: Impacts almost all body functions. Abnormal levels lead to weight issues, bowel problems, hair loss, heart problems and mood disorders.

We'll also check markers like FSH, LH, prolactin and others. Comparing results to optimal ranges determines the best treatment options for your needs.

Saliva Testing

Saliva testing is useful for assessing bioavailable hormone levels. Collection at four different time points throughout the day allows analysis of circadian rhythms too. This non-invasive testing provides data about active hormones accessible to tissues.

Saliva testing checks:

• Cortisol patterns to identify fatigue, stress and sleep cycle abnormalities
• Circadian hormones like melatonin for sleep-wake cycle dysregulation
• DHEA, estradiol, progesterone and testosterone fluctuations

Comparing morning to evening hormone levels is extremely valuable for developing personalized therapies.

Symptom Questionnaires

Tracking symptoms is equally important for detecting hormonal imbalances and determining if treatment is working well. Be prepared to complete detailed questionnaires about your medical history and a thorough symptom review.

We continue monitoring symptoms throughout your treatment to ensure your therapy protocol is optimally supporting your wellness goals.

Hormone Therapy Treatment Overview

Once testing is complete, thorough analysis determines if hormone therapy is warranted and creates a customized replenishment plan. The goal is returning hormones to optimal functional ranges so you feel and function at your best.

We develop integrative treatment plans encompassing hormone optimization along with nutrition, supplements and lifestyle interventions for optimal results. Each component works synergistically to restore wellbeing, alleviate frustrating symptoms and enhance vitality long-term.

Hormone Replacement Options

There are variety of hormone therapy preparations and delivery methods:

• Tablets are commonly used for thyroid and DHEA replacement. Tablet hormones are easy to administer yourself daily but can be harsh on the liver.
• Capsules allow stable absorption of micronized bioidentical hormones and bypasses first pass liver metabolism. We utilize capsules for testosterone, progesterone and pregnenolone therapy.
• Troches dissolve under the tongue or against the cheek allowing quick absorption directly into the bloodstream. Troches are useful for progesterone, DHEA, estriol, melatonin and more. Utilize troches whenever rapid effect is desirable.
• Creams provide transdermal absorption directly through the skin. Creams bypass the liver so are optimal for estrogen and testosterone therapy. We provide detailed instructions about rotating cream application sites.
• Injections deliver bioidentical hormones directly into the bloodstream so dosing is easy to control. Testosterone and estradiol injections have longer lasting effects between doses. Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) therapy helping stimulate natural hormone production is administered by subcutaneous injections.
• Pellets are concentrated hormones compressed into very small capsules. Your clinician inserts pellets under the skin through a quick and relatively painless office procedure. The pellets slowly release consistent hormones for 3-6 months reducing the need for daily therapy. Pellets are the most convenient long-term administration option.

We thoughtfully determine which preparation and delivery method is ideal for you based on your lab results, symptoms, lifestyle considerations, treatment goals and personal preferences. Many patients utilize a combination to achieve ideal outcomes. The goal is keeping your hormone levels in optimal ranges consistently throughout each day. We'll teach you exactly how to take your personalized therapy protocol.

What Should You Expect?

Customized hormone replacement therapy (HRT) gets to work quickly resolving symptoms and restoring wellbeing. Each person responds differently based on individual needs and reasons for treatment:

• Most notice improvements in energy, sleep quality, mental clarity, mood stability and sex drive within the first month.
• Perimenopausal and menopausal women see hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness resolve within 1-2 months typically. Regaining quality of life and ending frustration is empowering!
• Muscle mass and strength improvements become evident around month three for men beginning testosterone therapy. Enhanced athletic performance and body composition boosts confidence.
• Continued improvements progress steadily over three to six months as hormones regulate at optimal levels. Libido rebounds, skin appears more youthful and wellbeing enhances during this time.
• Most feel like their best selves again around six months into treatment. That frustrating feeling of just not being yourself fades away!

We closely monitor your hormone levels, symptoms and sense of wellbeing to ensure you are responding as expected. Dose adjustments happen during follow up visits if needed. You should notice irritating symptoms fading while energy, stamina and enjoyment of life increases - that's exactly how optimized hormones should make you feel! Reach out anytime between visits if concerns arise so we can ensure your treatment protocol is working its magic.

Tips for Success with Hormone Therapy

Implementing positive lifestyle modifications magnifies the benefits of therapy leading to enhanced vitality. Here are some tips:

Nutrient-Dense Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Choosing nutritious whole foods in place of processed items provides the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals essential for hormone production and getting results from therapy. An anti-inflammatory diet lowers disease risk as well. We provide personalized nutrition guidance.

Stress Reduction Strategies

Chronic stress elevates cortisol which causes hormone imbalance and interferes with treatment efficacy. Prioritizing stress reducing activities like meditation, yoga, journaling and nature immersion stabilizes hormones. We discuss biohacks for better stress resilience like magnesium, omega-3s and adaptogenic herbs too.

Sufficient High Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is when the body produces progesterone and testosterone while repairing tissue damage. Prioritize room darkening, avoiding electronics before bed, keeping the bedroom cool and consistent bedtime routine. Melatonin, magnesium and 5-HTP help many struggling with sleep quality.

Regular Exercise

Working out boosts circulation and oxygenation to nourish glands producing hormones. Aim for 30 minutes daily alternating cardio and resistance training. Local gyms like PowerUp Fitness or the YMCA help you stick with it long-term. We share tips for optimizing hormones through exercise.

Supportive Community Connections

Loneliness, isolation and relationship problems generate stress reducing treatment effectiveness. Make friendship, community events and leisure activities priorities to enhance joy, laughter and sense of purpose. The rewarding social connections developed at clubs like Joy Kat Dance Club magnify therapy benefits.

Healthy Unprocessed Food Options in Angleton

Local eateries like Harvest Seasonal Kitchen, Greentree Cafe or Angleton Fish Company offer delicious clean eating options. Meal prepping ingredients from Angleton Natural Foods Co-Op minimizes processed items at home. We provide personalized nutrition support so you can enjoy cuisine supporting hormone optimization.

Testing and Hormone Education Resources

ARUP Laboratories on 528 N Velasco St provides affordable quality testing so you can monitor therapy progress from home between clinic visits when beneficial. The 128-page Hormone Horizons reference book available free at our clinic is full of helpful information about treatment options, symptoms, testing, nutrition and more to empower your hormonal health journey!

Empower Your Hormonal Health

Frustrating menopausal or andropausal symptoms that disrupt quality of life no longer need to be endured thanks to customized hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Regaining hormonal balance improves mood, cognition, weight management and vitality so you feel like your best self again. We specialize in precision testing, integrative treatment planning and close follow up care so you achieve satisfying treatment benefits long-term. Contact us when you are ready to stop suffering and start thriving!