Hormone Replacement Therapy

What are hormones?

Hormones are part of your body’s messaging system. Made by your endocrine glands, hormones travel in your blood, telling your organs and body systems what to do. Your hormones play a major role in the function of your:

• Metabolism
• Appetite
• Sleep cycle
• Mood
• Reproduction

When hormone levels are in balance, your body works as it should. However, any increase or decrease in blood hormone levels significantly affects your physical and emotional well-being. 

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment for low hormone levels. Though any hormone may fall below normal, everyone experiences a decrease in sex hormone production as they get older. This includes the female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, and the male hormone, testosterone. Northeast Florida Internal Medicine provides HRT in a variety of forms, including pellets, injections, and oral and topical medications.

Who needs hormone replacement therapy?

Anyone with low levels of sex hormones benefits from HRT. Signs and symptoms of declining hormones include:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Weight gain
• Dry skin
• Thinning hair
• Low libido
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness in women
• Erectile dysfunction in men

Many of the symptoms you consider part of the aging process are due to changes in hormone balance. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, and it’s affecting your quality of life, schedule a consultation with the team at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine.

What can I expect from hormone replacement therapy?

Before making any specific recommendations, the team at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine completes a thorough evaluation that includes learning about your medical history and performing a physical exam. They also check blood hormone levels to see if your hormones are responsible for your symptoms.

Northeast Florida Internal Medicine provides HRT pellets. Your hormone pellet contains the hormones your body needs. Your provider places this pellet under your skin (usually above your buttocks) where it slowly releases hormones, keeping your blood levels in balance.

You should notice improvements in your symptoms about a month after the placement of your pellet*. The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and replaces your HRT pellet when appropriate.

HRT may also boost bone density, improving health and reducing your risk of osteoporosis.

To learn more about hormone replacement therapy, call Northeast Florida Internal Medicine or schedule your appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary