Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
If you are one of the millions of women who suffer from symptoms of hormonal imbalances such as weight gain, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, and poor sleep, you have options! The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatments at our Little Rock cosmetic surgery center are provided by Nurse Practitioner Crystal Marcussen and personalized to target your specific hormonal imbalances to help you feel like you again.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses hormones that are identical on a molecular level to the hormones naturally produced in your body. These naturally-derived compounds are designed to replenish hormone levels the body is lacking. When properly tailored to each patient, HRT can address a range of hormonal imbalances for women and restore optimal well-being.
Forms of hormone replacement therapy:
- Pills
- Patches
- Creams/gels
- Injections
Types of hormones used in HRT
These hormones each contribute to the unique hormone levels that help your body function physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Estrogen
Estrogen is crucial for many body processes, including reproductive and sexual health, bone density, skin health, and maintaining cholesterol levels. Estrogen is typically used to treat a variety of symptoms, including those of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood changes, and vaginal dryness.
Progesterone
Progesterone is essential for regulating menstruation and plays a role in skin elasticity and bone strength among others. It’s also crucial for maintaining the early stages of pregnancy. Progesterone is often prescribed to address irregular menstrual periods, headaches, poor sleep, weight gain, mood changes, anxiety, and depression.
Testosterone
Testosterone is important for both men and women, impacting sexual function, bone density, muscle mass, and mood. Ideal testosterone levels help improve libido, energy levels, and physical strength.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
DHEA is a precursor hormone involved in producing both estrogen and testosterone. It influences immune function, mood, and sexual vitality. DHEA helps enhance energy levels, improve mood and cognitive function, and support adrenal function.
Thyroid hormone
Thyroid function is vital for metabolism regulation, energy levels, and overall physiological balance. The thyroid hormone is used to treat hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and hair loss, among other issues.
Signs you may need hormone replacement therapy
Hormonal imbalances can affect how you feel about yourself, your energy levels, and your overall health. Symptoms can manifest in various ways, depending on which hormones are affected. Knowing the signs can help determine if HRT is right for you:
Common symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Difficulty losing weight
- Vaginal dryness
- Breast changes and tenderness
- Hair thinning or hair loss
- Sleep disturbances
- Brain fog
- Trouble concentrating
- Skin changes (adult acne, oily or dry skin)
- Anxiety
- Depression
Benefits of HRT
Hormone replacement therapy treats the cause of your hormonal imbalances instead of simply masking symptoms. Most patients report a significant reduction or complete resolution of their symptoms and feel more vitality. Hormone replacement therapy can also help prevent or slow conditions such as osteoporosis and may reduce the risk of heart disease in some patients.
Candidates for hormone replacement therapy
- Women experiencing menopause or andropause
- Individuals with thyroid disorders
- Anyone suffering from symptoms related to hormonal imbalances
Crystal works closely with each patient to understand their symptoms and identify if a hormonal imbalance may be contributing to their concerns.
Our HRT treatment process
Our treatment process for hormone replacement therapy is comprehensive and meticulously tailored to meet your unique needs. Here’s a closer look at each step:
Consultation and evaluation
During your first visit, Crystal takes the time to understand your health concerns, symptoms, and lifestyle to help her tailor treatments that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
Medical history review
Crystal will also thoroughly review your complete medical history, including any previous illnesses, ongoing treatments, and family health history. Discussing this information is vital for identifying any underlying conditions that might influence your hormone therapy.
Testing
We order blood tests to measure your hormone levels and identify specific hormonal imbalances. Lab work is essential for establishing a baseline and for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Customized treatment plans
Based on the results from your evaluations and tests, Crystal designs a personalized hormone replacement strategy. This plan considers the types of hormones you need, the appropriate dosages, and the most effective delivery methods (pills, creams, patches, or injections).
She considers all aspects of your health and lifestyle when crafting your treatment plan for a holistic approach to optimal hormone balances including dietary recommendations, exercise routines, and stress management techniques to complement your hormone therapy.
Ongoing adjustments and monitoring
Hormone levels and health needs can change over time, which is why we schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Crystal is always available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your treatment journey.
Treatment lengths vary widely; Crystal will continuously assess your care and when it is time, help you gradually reduce your treatment until you no longer need supplementation.
“Beautiful and super updated Clinic/Spa. Everything is perfect, neat, the staff is so kind and organized, as soon as you walk through the door, the girls great you by your name. I highly recommend Cosmetic Surgery Center, in Little Rock AR, Dr Branman and his staff. It is well worth the trip to LR!”
Why choose us
Our HRT treatments are provided by Crystal, our board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, with over 12 years of experience in menopause management and comprehensive women’s health across all life stages.
She is passionate about empowering women through their health challenges, including navigating perimenopause and menopause and achieving weight loss goals. With extensive knowledge of the nuances that contribute to balanced hormone levels, Crystal is a Little Rock hormone replacement therapy expert who specializes in bringing the body back into hormonal homeostasis.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Relief from Menopausal Symptoms: HRT is most commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness.
- Increased Libido: HRT can help improve sex drive and sexual function in those affected by hormonal imbalances.
- Prevention of Osteoporosis: As estrogen levels drop during menopause, the risk of osteoporosis increases. HRT can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures.
- Improved Mood and Cognitive Function: HRT may help stabilize mood swings and could potentially improve cognitive functions.
- Better Sleep: HRT can help improve the quality of sleep by reducing night sweats and stabilizing hormones that contribute to sleep.
- Enhanced Skin and Hair Health: HRT can help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and contribute to healthier hair.
- Testosterone: A hormone primarily found in men but also important for women, often used in hormone replacement therapy to help with energy levels, muscle mass, and sexual function.
- Progesterone: A hormone that plays a key role in the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy, used in hormone replacement therapy to balance estrogen effects and improve mood and sleep.
- Estrogen: A group of hormones crucial for sexual and reproductive development, primarily in women; used in hormone replacement therapy to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
- Menopause: The time in a woman’s life, typically between 45 and 55 years old, when menstrual periods cease and the body produces less estrogen and progesterone.
- Estriol: A form of estrogen used in hormone replacement therapy, particularly during menopause.
- Menopausal Symptoms: Symptoms experienced by women undergoing menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, often managed through hormone replacement therapy.
- Hormone Levels: The quantities of hormones present in the body, which can be measured to help customize hormone replacement therapy for individuals.
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement: Hormone replacement therapy that uses hormones that are identical on a molecular level to those naturally occurring in the body.
- FDA-Approved Products: Products, including hormones for replacement therapy, that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for safety and effectiveness.
- Bioidentical Progesterone: Progesterone that is chemically identical to what the body naturally produces.
- Compounding Pharmacy: A pharmacy that customizes medications to fit the unique needs of patients, including creating specific dosages and forms of hormones for hormone replacement therapy.
- Natural Hormone Therapy: Treatment that uses hormones derived from natural sources.
- Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that can cause pain and heavy menstruation, sometimes influenced by hormone levels and managed through hormone therapy.
- Endogenous Estrogen: Estrogen that is naturally produced by the body; hormone replacement therapy often aims to supplement these levels during menopause.
- Testosterone Therapy: The use of testosterone in medical treatment to address symptoms of hormone deficiency in both men and women, including in cases of low energy and sexual dysfunction.
- Micronized Progesterone: Progesterone that has been finely ground to enhance absorption by the body, used in hormone replacement therapies to mimic natural hormone rhythms more closely.
- Perimenopause: The transitional period before menopause when hormonal changes begin and symptoms like irregular periods and hot flashes can start.
- Postmenopausal: The phase in a woman’s life following menopause, during which hormone replacement therapy may be used to manage ongoing symptoms.
Hormone replacement therapy FAQs
How long should I use hormone replacement therapy?
The duration of HRT should be limited to the shortest time needed to bring relief from symptoms, which is generally a few years. Crystal will monitor your progress and help determine when you can stop treatments.
Can hormone replacement therapy prevent aging?
HRT is not a cure for aging, although it can improve skin and hair health which often declines with age. Hormone replacement therapy can also help you feel more youthful by alleviating specific symptoms related to age-related hormonal imbalances.
Does hormone replacement therapy help with weight loss?
It can; however, it’s not designed to be a weight loss treatment. Many patients notice weight loss after hormone replacement therapy helps correct hormone-related metabolic changes and improve energy levels. Crystal also provides weight loss injections in Little Rock for patients interested in medical weight loss with semaglutide.
What is the difference between HRT and birth control pills?
Birth control pills contain higher levels of hormones and are intended to prevent pregnancy, while HRT is designed to replace hormones at a level to relieve symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.
When should I start hormone replacement therapy?
Ideally, HRT should begin around the onset of menopausal symptoms or soon after menopause to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Can I use herbal supplements instead of hormone replacement therapy?
Some herbal supplements are used for menopausal symptoms, but they are generally less effective than HRT. Crystal will evaluate your condition and discuss your options with you.
What are the risks of hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is generally safe, but just like any medical treatment, HRT carries potential risks. These include an increased risk of blood clots, stroke, gallbladder disease, and certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, particularly with long-term use or late initiation after menopause.
What are the side effects of hormone replacement therapy?
Common side effects can include breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, bloating, and mood swings. Many of these side effects diminish as the body adjusts to the hormones.
What should I do if I experience side effects from hormone replacement therapy?
Contact our office if you experience side effects. Crystal can often adjust the type or dosage of HRT to reduce side effects.
Ready to feel your best again?Contact us today to schedule your hormone replacement therapy consultation and begin your journey to a healthier, more balanced life. Call the Cosmetic Surgery Center at (501) 227-0707 or click the contact button at the top of this page to schedule your consultation.
References »
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