Hormone replacement therapy Eugene, OR

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves restoring hormones in the body to more youthful levels through medication. It is most commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause in women and andropause in men.

As we age, hormone production starts to decline. In women, estrogen and progesterone levels drop during perimenopause and menopause. In men, testosterone levels decline gradually each year after age 30. This hormone decline is a natural part of aging, but can cause uncomfortable symptoms.

HRT helps relieve these symptoms by replacing the hormones your body is no longer making enough of. It comes in different forms like pills, patches, gels, implants, shots, and vaginal creams or rings.

The goal of HRT is to get your hormone levels back to an optimal balance so you feel more energized, mentally sharp, and like your old self again.

Who is a Good Candidate for HRT?

Women and men experiencing moderate to severe menopause or andropause symptoms are often good candidates for HRT. Symptoms include:

• Hot flashes, night sweats
• Vaginal dryness, pain with intercourse
• Low libido, erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue, lack of energy
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability, mood swings
• Brain fog, memory problems
• Joint pain, muscle loss
• Weight gain, especially belly fat

HRT can provide relief from these symptoms when lifestyle changes alone are not enough. It is most effective when started shortly after symptoms develop.

HRT may also be recommended for women at higher risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Estrogen therapy helps maintain bone mineral density.

The Benefits of HRT

There are many potential benefits of HRT for both women and men:

• Relieves hot flashes, night sweats. HRT is very effective at reducing the severity and frequency of hot flashes. Most women get significant relief within 1-2 months.
• Improves vaginal dryness. Topical estrogen treats vaginal tissues directly to make intercourse more comfortable.
• Increases libido. Restoring testosterone and estrogen levels often improves sex drive and satisfaction.
• Boosts energy and mood. Optimal hormone levels help you feel more energetic, motivated, and mentally sharp.
• Enhances sleep. HRT can improve sleep quality by reducing night sweats and hot flashes.
• Prevents bone loss. Estrogen therapy maintains bone mineral density and reduces fracture risk.
• Reduces belly fat. HRT may help reverse the accumulation of belly fat that often occurs during menopause.
• Supports heart health. Estrogen helps keep cholesterol levels in a healthy range and promotes vasodilation.
• Slows skin aging. Estrogen improves skin elasticity, collagen production, and moisture retention.

The wide range of benefits offered by HRT makes it an extremely effective treatment option for relieving menopause and andropause symptoms.

Risks and Side Effects of HRT

While HRT has many benefits, there are some potential risks and side effects to consider:

• Blood clots. Estrogen HRT slightly increases the risk of blood clots in veins and arteries, especially during the first year of use.
• Stroke. Women over age 60 taking estrogen have a small increased stroke risk.
• Breast cancer. Estrogen plus progesterone therapy may slightly increase breast cancer risk after several years of use. The risk returns to normal a few years after stopping treatment.
• Uterine cancer. Taking estrogen alone raises endometrial cancer risk if you have not had a hysterectomy. This is why progesterone is recommended to counteract estrogen’s effects on the uterus.
• Gallbladder disease. Estrogen therapy can cause gallstones and may require gallbladder removal.
• Side effects. Side effects may include breast tenderness, bloating, headache, and nausea. Most side effects resolve within a few months as your body adjusts.

Your health care provider will discuss these potential risks with you and monitor you closely for any issues. For most healthy women under 60, the benefits of short-term HRT outweigh the risks.

The Initial Consultation for HRT

The first step for starting HRT is an initial consultation. This appointment will generally involve:

• Medical history. Your provider will ask about your menopause/andropause symptoms, medical conditions, medications, and family history.
• Physical exam. A breast exam, pelvic exam, and basic health screening will be performed.
• Lab testing. Blood tests will check hormone levels (estrogen, testosterone, etc.) and overall health markers.
• Review of options. Your provider will explain the types of HRT available and make a customized recommendation.
• Discussion of risks. You’ll discuss potential side effects and health risks based on your medical profile.
• Follow-up plan. You’ll schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

The initial consultation is very important for determining if you are a candidate for HRT. It is also a great opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns.

The HRT Regimen

If you are a good candidate for HRT, your provider will recommend a specific regimen based on:

• Your lab results and hormone levels
• The severity of your symptoms
• Your menopause or andropause status
• Your medical history and risk factors
• Your preferences for treatment

Some of the most common HRT regimens include:

• Estrogen pills (Premarin, Estrace) taken daily
• Estrogen progesterone pills (Prempro) for women with a uterus
• Transdermal estrogen patches (Estroderm, Climara) changed weekly or twice weekly
• Vaginal estrogen creams (Estrace, Premarin) used a few times per week
• Testosterone gels/creams (AndroGel, Testim) applied daily for men

Your provider may start you on a low dose and adjust it over time to find the ideal dosage. Close follow up is very important in the first 6 months of HRT to monitor your response.

Lifestyle Tips for Getting the Most from HRT

To maximize the benefits from HRT, be sure to:

• Choose the right time of year. Starting during fall or winter may help avoid hot flashes triggered by warm weather.
• Have realistic expectations. It may take 2-3 months to feel the full effects. Give it time!
• Take it consistently. Missing doses can allow symptoms to recur. Stick to your prescribed regimen.
• Exercise regularly. Activity helps balance hormone levels and manage menopause symptoms.
• Eat a healthy diet. Nutritious foods support hormone balance and minimize symptoms.
• Reduce stress. Consider yoga, meditation, or counseling to help manage stress.
• Get good sleep. Shoot for 7-9 hours per night and keep a consistent schedule.
• Limit alcohol. Heavy drinking can interfere with HRT and trigger hot flashes.

Following an overall healthy lifestyle provides the ideal foundation for HRT to work its best.

Hormone Harmony Clinic: The Premier Clinic for HRT in Eugene

When it comes to hormone replacement therapy in Eugene, Hormone Harmony Clinic stands above the rest. Our clinic specializes exclusively in HRT and optimizing hormone levels.

Our medical director is a board-certified OB/GYN and endocrinologist with over 15 years of experience in hormonal therapies. We also have dedicated HRT providers including nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Some key reasons to choose Hormone Harmony Clinic for HRT:

• Customized treatment plans using cutting-edge hormone testing
• Close provider monitoring and follow-up throughout treatment
• The latest forms of bioidentical hormones including patches, gels, and pills
• A full range of feminizing and masculinizing hormone therapies for transgender patients
• Ongoing patient education and support from our HRT specialists
• A warm, welcoming office with a sensitive, understanding staff

We help patients from all backgrounds reclaim their health, vitality, and quality of life through expert hormone replacement therapy.

Get Started with HRT in Eugene

If you’re experiencing menopause or andropause symptoms, consider exploring hormone replacement therapy. Hormone Harmony Clinic offers top-notch HRT tailored to your unique needs.

Our knowledgeable team is here to help you decide if HRT is right for you. We look forward to helping you feel balanced, energized, and healthy!