Hormone Replacement Therapy in Monroe, LA and Southlake, TX
The hormones are responsible for a variety of functions and our overall health, which means a hormonal imbalance can quickly lead to a number of adverse effects on the body. At Hopkins Dermatology, we offer hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to the men and women living in Monroe, Alexandria, Shreveport and the nearby areas of Northeast Louisiana.
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a process that corrects hormonal imbalances by supplementing the body with natural hormones, including progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. As we age, hormone levels naturally decline as the body begins to produce less of them. For men, this happens gradually, while women will experience significant drops surrounding menopause. In any case, as hormone levels change, many of the body’s natural functions can be affected, creating a number of adverse effects to your health and wellbeing. With HRT, patients can restore hormones to the optimal levels, reversing the effects of hormonal imbalance and enjoying a healthier life.
How Much Does Hormone Replacement Therapy Cost in Monroe, LA?
Hormonal imbalances are highly unique situations that require equally unique treatments. As such, the cost of hormone replacement therapy will vary by patient, and cannot be specified until evaluating a patient’s needs. During your consultation, we will develop your personalized HRT treatment and provide you with detailed pricing information. Before this visit, we ask that patients fill out the questionnaire below so that Dr. Hopkins can best understand and evaluate your needs.
What are the Signs of a Hormonal Imbalance in Women?
For women, hormonal changes typically begin gradually during perimenopause. These changes will begin to accelerate with a significant dropoff during menopause. The most common symptoms during this time include:
- Hot flashes
- Changes in mood
- Irregular periods
- Poor memory and cognitive function
- Vaginal dryness and loss of libido
- Sleeping difficulties or insomnia
With HRT for women, which typically includes either progesterone and estrogen, but may also include testosterone, these symptoms can be managed and improved. Additionally, hormone replacement therapy can help reduce the risk of certain diseases and provide other health benefits.
What are the Signs of a Hormonal Imbalance in Men?
For men, hormonal changes via a drop in testosterone develop gradually over time. For most men, this happens around the age of 30. Since testosterone is vital for sexual function and other aspects of our health, low hormone levels can create symptoms that include:
- Loss of libido or erectile dysfunction
- Hair loss
- Weight gain
- Loss of muscle mass
- Changes in mood
- Poor memory and cognitive function
With HRT for men, which typically includes testosterone, these symptoms can be managed and improved. As a result, men who begin hormone replacement therapy often enjoy improved sexual function, greater energy and better overall health.
What is the Hormone Replacement Therapy Treatment Like?
Hormone replacement therapy can be performed with a variety of treatments. The first step is assessing a patient’s hormone deficiencies, which is most often executed with a blood test. Then, we will evaluate these results and your symptoms to determine the optimal hormone replacement therapy technique. Hormone replacement therapy treatments may include:
- Topical solutions
- Oral medications
- Implanted hormone pellets
In any case, your hormone replacement therapy can be carried out with minimal office visits. These therapies require little more than daily use, making them a convenient and effective solution for hormonal imbalances in men and women.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with Hormone Replacement Therapy?
There are some side effects involved with hormone replacement therapy that are important to consider. Prior to treatment, we will evaluate your hormone levels to determine the HRT treatment that will reduce your risk of side effects. We will also monitor your progress throughout treatment so that we can adjust therapy as needed.
For women, HRT side effects can include:
- Headaches
- Changes in mood
- Changes in weight
- Acne
- Soreness or swelling
For men, HRT side effects can include:
- Acne
- Sleep apnea
- Soreness or swelling
- Enlarged breasts
Am I A Good Candidate for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
If you are suffering from symptoms of hormone deficiencies, you may want to consider hormone replacement therapy. Some health conditions may disqualify you from treatment, so the best way to determine your candidacy for hormone replacement therapy is to schedule a consultation with the team at Hopkins Dermatology. We’ll evaluate your goals and symptoms to determine if you are a good fit for treatment before providing you with a customized HRT treatment plan.