Female Hormone Replacement Therapy in Manchester, NH
Female Hormone Replacement Therapy in Manchester, NH
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormones are chemical substances produced by our body that regulate and control various physiologic processes, such as growth, development, metabolism, libido, mood, and reproduction. They are excreted into our bloodstream and carried to different parts of the body, where they bind to specific receptors on cells and trigger a response. When your hormones are out of balance, such as in perimenopause or menopause, they can have serious implications for your health and well-being.
Hormone replacement therapy aims to replace these dropping levels of hormones that the body does not produce or is no longer capable of producing in order to alleviate the symptoms of hormone imbalance. In women, it helps relieve menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and discomfort, insomnia related to menopause, hot flashes, and bone loss. In men, during andropause, it can help restore various bodily functions, such as sexual drive, reproductive function, maintaining healthy bones and maintaining muscle mass.
What Symptoms Can Hormone Replacement Help Alleviate in Women?
- Irregular periods
- Vaginal dryness
- Hot flashes
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes
- Weight gain and slowed metabolism
- Thinning hair
- Dry skin
- Loss of breast fullness
- Sexual Dysfunction
Types of Female Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone Replacement Pills:
Oral pills are one of the most common and easiest ways to give hormone replacement therapy to women. There are estrogen-only tablets or estrogen combined with progesterone. There are also intravaginal estrogen tablets, which are inserted daily for two weeks and then titrated down to 2-4 days a week.
Hormone Replacement Patches:
Topical patches are applied to the skin and are very common and convenient. You place them on your skin and replace them daily.
Estrogen Cream:
Estrogen Cream is similar to the patches. The topical application of estrogen cream is applied vaginally daily and then titrated down to 2-3 times per week.
Estrogen Vaginal Rings:
This estrogen ring is inserted vaginally and replaced every three months. This brings the convenience of replacing it every three months.
Estrogen Implants:
These small pellets are placed under the skin, usually on the stomach. The process involves numbing the skin with a local anesthetic. The implant keeps releasing estrogen. They are replaced every 3-4 months.
- Fatigue, exhaustion or low energy.
- Difficulty achieving or sustaining an erection.
- Lack of mental clarity and difficulty concentrating.
- Loss of libido.
- Weight gain.
- Thinning hair.
- Dryer skin.
- Moodiness, anxiety or depression.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
Risks of Female Hormone Replacement Therapy
Benefits
Risks of Female Hormone Replacement Therapy
Breast Cancer:
It is important to take breast cancer screening tests regularly due to potentially increased risk of breast cancer during hormone replacement therapy.
Weight Gain:
There is no scientific data that supports that you will gain weight while on BHRT. Research has actually shown that appropriate hormone replacement can support a healthy weight.
Blood Clots or Thrombosis:
There is limited conclusive evidence regarding the association between bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and blood clots or thrombosis.
Muscle and Bone Problems:
Some women may exhibit some bone and muscle changes with the onset of HRT. Complaints of joint pain and muscle pain are often self-limiting in a few weeks of therapy. Exercising to build muscle mass, such as cycling, running, walking, or weight training, can help build muscle mass and protect bone density. Numerous studies show the benefits of HRT in protecting and restoring bone and muscle mass.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) utilizes hormones that are molecularly identical to those our bodies naturally produce. Derived mainly from plant sources like soy or yams, these hormones are tailored by pharmacists into specific doses for each individual. This customization, known as compounding, ensures that the hormones match the body’s natural chemistry. While some standardized bioidentical hormones have FDA approval, custom-compounded ones do not. BHRT is often preferred due to its potential for reduced side effects, given the hormones’ natural compatibility with the body. Additionally, the ability to fine-tune dosages allows for more personalized treatment and potentially fewer adverse effects compared to synthetic hormones.
Hormone replacement therapy is contra-indicated in anyone who has or previously had an estrogen receptor postive cancer history, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, and ovarian cancer. However testosterone replacement therapy may still be beneficial in some patients. For those with a history of thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus, for example), liver disorders, uncontrolled or untreated hypertension, or is pregnant, alternative treatments may be recommended under these circumstances. Alternatives to hormone replacement therapy include a healthy diet, lifestyle changes, and some medications.
PRICING:
Topical Bio-identicalProgram:
Initial Cost- $150/month PLUS the cost of BHRT medications.
- Initial labs $200 (not included).
- Typically, medications cost $40-50 and are set by the compounding pharmacy.
- Labs are rechecked at three months, then as needed based on your symptoms (labs not included in the plan).
BHRT Biote Pelleting Program:
Initial Cost- Pellet Cost: Initial pellet insertion is $700 then subsequent pelleting every 3-4 months based on symptoms $600
- Initial Labs $200 (which are drawn in office)
- Visit for recheck and 5-6 week post pelleting labs are included.
- Dim SGS+ Hormone + Detox Dietary Supplement included with your first pellet insertion, then at cost thereafter.
- Includes second visit for lab review and plan of care for pellets.
Topical Bio-identicalProgram:
Initial Cost- $150/month PLUS the cost of BHRT medications.
- Initial labs $200 (not included).
- Typically, medications cost $40-50 and are set by the compounding pharmacy.
- Labs are rechecked at three months, then as needed based on your symptoms (labs not included in the plan).
BHRT Biote Pelleting Program:
Initial Cost- Cost: Initial Pellet insertion $1150 then subsequent pelleting every 3-4 months based on symptoms $600
- Includes second visit for lab review and plan of care for pellets.
- Visit for recheck and labs for pelleting at week 5-6 weeks post insertion.
- Dim SGS+ Hormone + Detox Dietary Supplement included with your first pelleting session.
- Initial and first follow-up labs are included in the cost above.
Save $50 per month with combined BHRT and hormone therapies.
- In-Office Medical Weight Loss for the first four weeks – $750 for the first month and then $350 monthly thereafter.
- At-Home Medical Weight Loss – $350/monthly.
Female SExualFunction Index (FSFI)
FEMALE HEALTH ASSESSMENT
