Changes in hormone levels, often starting as early as the mid-30s, can cause a variety of symptoms like weight gain, trouble sleeping, mood swings, and low energy—which can range from mildly bothersome to debilitating. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) helps optimize your hormone levels and can be a life-changing treatment option for many patients. In this blog, Andrea Huddleston, RN, BSN, our HRT specialist in Joplin, answers some of the most frequently asked questions about hormone replacement therapy.
What are the signs I need HRT?
If you are experiencing the following symptoms, it may be an indicator that you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy:
Signs that women may need HRT
- Menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Vaginal dryness, which can cause general discomfort, itching, or pain during intercourse
- Mood swings and irritability and/or feelings of depression or anxiety
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep, often due to night sweats
- Bone health issues like osteoporosis or an increased risk of fractures
- Thinning hair or other sudden changes in hair
- Changes in skin texture or uncomfortably dry skin
- Decreased sexual desire and function
- Brain fog, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating
- Changes in menstrual cycle patterns, including heavier or lighter bleeding, or skipped periods for women not going through menopause
Signs that men may need HRT
- Decreased energy levels and stamina
- Loss of strength and muscle mass, despite regular exercise
- Noticeable increase in body fat, particularly around the abdomen
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Reduced sexual desire and activity
- Mood swings and depression/anxiety
- Problems with focus and memory
- Decrease in bone density
- Thinning or loss of hair on the body and face
- Hot flashes (less common in men)
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, we can evaluate your hormone levels and personalize your treatment to alleviate these effects.
What types of HRT are available?
We provide several forms of HRT, with pellets, creams, and injections being the most common. We’ll discuss which method will best suit your needs and lifestyle during your consultation.
How is HRT administered?
For women, the most popular hormone replacement method is pellet therapy. We inject a local anesthetic to completely numb the skin at the hip and make a tiny incision to insert the pellet (which is about the size of a grain of rice) just under the skin. We close the incision with Steri-Strips—stitches are not needed. You’ll return to the office to replace the pellet every 3 months. If you choose hormone replacement cream, you’ll need to apply the cream several times a day.
For hormone replacement therapy for men, commonly referred to as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), injections are the preferred choice—with weekly and bi-weekly options available. If you choose pellet therapy, a new pellet is placed about every 6 months. Creams are also available for men and require multiple daily applications.
How long should I stay on HRT?
Our 12-month hormone replacement program is designed to give you the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary to manage your symptoms. For some patients, we may recommend extending the treatment if more support is needed to bring the body back into balance.
What are the hormones used in HRT?
Here are the primary hormones used in HRT and their functions:
For women:
- Estrogen: Estrogen helps alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings. It’s also vital in maintaining bone density and can help prevent osteoporosis.
- Progesterone: Progesterone helps regulate mood and has a calming effect on the body. Progesterone is used alongside estrogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the lining of the uterus) and reduce the risk of endometrial cancer in women who have not had a hysterectomy.
- Testosterone: While primarily a male hormone, testosterone is also present in women in smaller amounts. Testosterone can help improve libido, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being in women experiencing significant symptoms of androgen deficiency.
For men:
- Testosterone: Testosterone is used to treat symptoms of low testosterone (hypogonadism) in men, which can include fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and mood changes.
Other hormones used in HRT:
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to both estrogen and testosterone. DHEA supplementation can help improve libido, energy levels, and overall sense of well-being.
Is it safe to use HRT after a hysterectomy?
Yes, HRT or ERT (estrogen replacement therapy) is often prescribed after a hysterectomy, especially if you’ve had a total hysterectomy which also removes the ovaries—your ovaries produce estrogen.
How long does it take for HRT to start working?
It varies from patient to patient, but you’ll likely start to feel the effects of your treatment within a few weeks to about 3 months. That said, some patients report near-immediate improvement in their symptoms while others need several months of support to get them back on track. Nurse Andrea will work closely with you to ensure you are progressing as expected and make any adjustments to your treatment if needed.
Can I start HRT after menopause?
Yes, women can start HRT after menopause. Most women begin HRT during perimenopause or menopause; however, HRT is safe to undergo after menopause for some women. It’s recommended that HRT be administered no later than 10 years after menopause to prevent an increased risk of potential complications. Nurse Andrea will discuss your medical history and determine if HRT is still a safe and effective choice if you are well past menopause.
My labs have come back normal, am I still a candidate for HRT?
Yes, you can still be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy even if your lab results are within the “normal” range. Here’s why:
- Hormone levels can vary significantly from one person to another, and it’s possible that the normal range may not be optimal for you. You may still experience symptoms of hormone imbalance even if your hormone levels fall within the typical range.
- If you have significant symptoms that affect your quality of life—such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, or low libido—we can consider HRT to relieve side effects of menopause or andropause based on your symptoms rather than just your lab results.
- For some individuals, HRT can also be a preventative measure to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis, especially if there is a family history of such conditions.
Even with normal lab results, we will continuously monitor your symptoms and hormone levels and adjust your treatment plan as needed so you experience the best outcome possible.
How much does HRT cost in Joplin?
At Maningas Wellness + Injectables, hormone placement therapy for men and women is priced as follows:
- Initial labs – $175
- Women’s VIP BHRT Pellet Program – $212.50/month
- Men’s VIP BHRT Pellet Program – $198/month
- Men’s At-Home Testosterone Injection Program – $175/month
Patients can also choose to pay in full for the year or we also have a pay-as-you-go option for your convenience. Additional creams, medications, or supplements can be purchased separately as these are formulated per your needs.
Customized hormone replacement therapy in Joplin
If you’re considering starting HRT, Nurse Andrea would be happy to meet with you to discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. Your well-being is our priority, and we offer safe and effective wellness treatments including hormone replacement therapy and weight loss injections in Joplin.
Please call our Joplin cosmetic surgery center at (417) 437-0303 or send us a message online if we can help you feel more like yourself again.
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