Hormone therapy (HT), also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), involves using medications containing female or male hormones to treat common signs and symptoms of hormone deficiency due to menopause or andropause (male menopause). As we age, hormone levels naturally decline, leading to undesirable effects. Replacing these hormones can help both men and women find relief.
At Vitality Hormone Clinic in Rochester, we offer customized bioidentical hormone therapy tailored to your unique needs. Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as the hormones naturally produced by your body. This allows them to bind perfectly to hormone receptors and mimic the function of your own hormones.
It's crucial not to ignore bothersome signs of hormone deficiency. The longer they persist, the higher your risk for serious complications like osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia. Rebalancing your hormones promptly can help you regain wellness and vitality while protecting long-term health.
Our knowledgeable practitioners prioritize timely and appropriate treatments to help you feel your best again soon. We also provide ongoing monitoring and dosage adjustments as needed.
What sets Vitality Hormone Clinic apart is our patient-first approach focused on open communication and transparency. We take the time to listen to your concerns, explain all your options, and collaborate with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Our state-of-the-art Rochester clinic provides a warm, welcoming environment. We offer flexible hours and same-day appointments for your convenience.
There are several potential causes of hormone declines:
Hormone production peaks around age 25 then gradually decreases. By age 40, both men's and women's key hormone levels drop significantly. Lost hormones cannot be replaced through better nutrition or more exercise. Supplementation is necessary to alleviate unpleasant effects.
Some health conditions directly damage hormone-secreting glands like the ovaries, testes, thyroid, adrenals, and pituitary gland. Treatments for diseases like cancer also commonly disrupt normal hormone function.
Your DNA plays a role in baseline hormone levels and age-related hormone deficiencies. If your close relatives experienced early menopause or low testosterone, you likely share some genetic predispositions.
There are several major hormones we commonly prescribe hormone treatments for:
Estrogen levels plummet during perimenopause and menopause, causing hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood swings, sleep trouble, and accelerated aging. Estrogen therapy treats these concerns. Declining estrogen also leads to bone loss, heart disease, and dementia risk.
Progesterone works together with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle during reproductive years. After menopause, supplementing progesterone helps protect the uterus from excess estrogen exposure. Adding progesterone to estrogen therapy also has added health benefits for heart and bone health.
Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, robust energy, and healthy libido in both sexes. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) alleviates unpleasant effects of testosterone deficiency like fatigue, weight gain, irritability, and erectile dysfunction. Boosting testosterone levels also reduces risk factors for diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism. Low levels cause weight gain, cold sensitivity, muscle weakness, hair loss, and brain fog. Replacing thyroid hormones through medications like levothyroxine helps resolve low thyroid symptoms.
DHEA boosts lean muscle mass, bone density, mood, libido, and cognition. DHEA levels peak around age 25 then decline. Supplementing DHEA alleviates symptoms related to deficiencies while also benefiting cardiovascular and immune health.
Since hormone balance is highly individualized, we run comprehensive lab testing on all new patients to pinpoint any deficiencies or excess hormone production. We generally recommend testing the following hormones using blood, saliva, or urine samples:
Other hormones we may test include pregnenolone, cortisol, insulin, IGF-1, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
Tracking hormone levels over time allows us to continually adjust treatment until you report optimal symptom relief with minimal side effects. Follow up testing helps ensure long-term safety as well. We also monitor improvement through periodic symptom questionnaires.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Studies show that after a year of hormone treatment, transgender men score higher on tests of spatial skills like mental rotation while transgender women score higher on verbal fluency tests. Hormones may actually change some brain structures to be more aligned with the identified gender.
Bioidentical hormone regimens are customized based on lab results, medical history, symptom evaluation, lifestyle considerations, and treatment goals. However, standard protocols include:
We commonly prescribe estradiol in pill, patch, or topical cream forms to directly replace declining levels associated with perimenopause or menopause. Estradiol binds perfectly to estrogen receptors with minimal side effects. We add progesterone to protect the uterus.
For testosterone deficiency, we often prescribe testosterone as injections, gels, or pellets to restore normal levels. This alleviates low T symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and irritability while providing protective health effects.
We prescribe bioidentical levothyroxine to resolve hypothyroid symptoms like hair loss and weight gain caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production. Adjusting dosage over time helps you avoid side effects. We combine T3/T4 for some patients.
If DHEA lab testing reveals clinically low levels, we may advise over-the-counter or compounded DHEA supplements to help improve mood, libido, muscle strength, and cognitive function.
We also address adrenal hormone deficiencies like low cortisol. Careful hormone balancing minimizes risks of side effects.
Rochester’s four distinct seasons influence aspects of hormone therapy like treatment timing and lifestyle factors.
Spring and fall tend to be optimal times to initiate hormone therapy since hormone levels fluctuate less. Summertime heat could exacerbate hot flashes initially. The winter holidays could intensify mood swings. However, we customize therapy start dates around your needs.
Numerous local laboratories offer hormone blood draws and saliva testing. We often use Quest Diagnostics or Monroe Medical Laboratories. At-home saliva test kits are also convenient options.
One lifestyle change that complements hormone therapy is daily movement for 45 minutes. This helps manage blood sugar, circulation, weight, and mood. Top neighborhood walking spots include Highland Park, Genesee Riverway Trail, Maplewood Rose Garden, and Durand Eastman Park. We also recommend yoga, massage, acupuncture, and meditation for relaxation.
Regular strength training and cardio exercise boost energy, immunity, bone density, and heart health. Nearby fitness centers like the JCC Center for Healthy Living, Rochester Athletic Club, and New York Sports Clubs offer group classes and personal training options.
Hormone changes often exacerbate anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and cognitive haze. We emphasize holistic care including counseling, support groups, cognitive testing, memory training, and stress reduction. Local therapists and programs that specialize in menopause or andropause related concerns are particularly helpful.
Vitality Hormone Clinic stands apart through our dedication to:
We aim to make hormone therapy a collaborative journey focused on restoring wellness safely long-term. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation.
