HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Hormones are substances made in the body that control actions of certain cells or organs. Hormone can become deficient with certain diseases, physical or emotional stressors, or even with normal biological life transitions. When hormones become deficient, they can produce various symptoms, such as:

• hot flashes/flushes 
• vaginal dryness 
• low libido 
• fatigue 
• low energy 
• hair loss 
• decreased appetite 
• weight gain 
• weight loss 
• stress intolerance  
• mood or memory changes

Fortunately, there are options available to manage these symptoms.

Hormones that have the same chemical structure as our own body’s hormones are called bioidentical. The body recognizes these and can use and process them in the same way it would process its own hormones. Bioidentical hormones are still made in the laboratory but, since they are recognized as our own, our bodies process them better and do not produce the harmful metabolites that may be produced by non-bioidentical hormones.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the use of hormones to replace those that are deficient or absent. Ideally, replacement of hormones is done with hormones that are like those the body produces on its own. In women, HRT is commonly initiated during menopause when the ovaries decrease and eventually stop their production of hormones. In men, treatment with testosterone may be indicated in testosterone deficiency (andropause). Thyroid hormones are also commonly prescribed to treat thyroid deficiency.

The Hormone Replacement Program offered by Root Cause Integrative and Preventive Medicine includes consultations every 3 months for the first year. Your assessment will include a review of your symptoms and a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs.