As we age, our bodies naturally start to reduce the amount of hormones produced, such as testosterone and estrogen. These and other hormones are crucial to how several areas of your body function – such as your brain, heart, bones, reproductive organs, and more. Skin Esteem provides hormone replacement therapy, focusing on personalized, precision care. How your body works, the symptoms you experience, and how your body responds to treatment are all unique. That’s why we work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan for your needs.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
When your hormones are out of balance, you can experience several different symptoms. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a method of restoring the balance of your hormones and aiming to relieve these symptoms, using hormones that are identical in structure to those your body naturally produces. That way, your body recognizes and uses these replacement hormones in precisely the same way it would your naturally produced hormones.
How does Hormone Therapy work?
Our method uses pellets, which are about the size of a grain of rice. A skilled injector inserts these tiny pellets under the skin during a simple, in-office procedure. The pellets will slowly dissolve over time. As the pellets dissolve, they release a steady stream of hormones into your bloodstream, which your body will use as needed. Over time, the pellets will be absorbed entirely, needing to be re-administered every 3-5 months on average, depending on the patient.
Why is hormone balance so important?
Most women experience a significant drop in estrogen and testosterone during menopause. In contrast, many men may experience a similar phenomenon relating to testosterone, known as andropause or, more commonly Low T (low testosterone). Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the bloodstream. Hormones are essential for regulating most major bodily processes. Because of their essential role in the body, even the slightest hormonal imbalance can cause side effects throughout the body.
What are the symptoms of hormonal imbalance?
Hormone imbalance can be quite different for women and men. Symptoms for women often include:
Fatigue
- Night Sweats
- Hot flashes or flushes
- Decreased sex drive
- Weight gain
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Anxiousness
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
- Low mood
- Decreased bone mass
- Discomfort during intercourse
Hormone imbalance symptoms for men often include:
- Low sex drive
- Fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat (especially at the waist)
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Elevated blood sugar
- Feelings of stress or anxiety
- High cholesterol
How long does hormone replacement therapy take to work?
No two people experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance the exact same way, therefore each person’s path to hormone optimization is unique. Most patients report some relief in as little as four weeks after pellet injections, but full optimization may take up to six months or more in some cases. The HRT journey is customized to fit each patient’s specific needs. We’ll go over all those details at your Skin Esteem consultation.
What’s my next step to hormone replacement therapy in Northern Kentucky?
Getting started with hormone optimization at Skin Esteem is easy! Schedule your consultation with us today by calling (859) 287-4777. Your initial consultation will entail a health assessment and bloodwork to evaluate your current hormone levels. We will review your lab results with you and develop a personalized care plan based on your results and health goals.