Hormone Therapy in Rancho Mirage, CA
Hormones are chemical messengers made by your endocrine glands. They regulate numerous processes in your body, including sleep, growth, metabolism, blood pressure, emotions, and sexual function. As you age or experience certain health conditions, your levels of essential hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone can decrease.
Because hormones play such an important role in how your body functions, a shift or imbalance can cause a wide range of unwanted symptoms. Women tend to experience these hormone-related side effects during menopause.
If you’re struggling with hormonal issues like low energy, decreased libido, or weight gain, Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery can help. Dr. Maria Diaz isn’t just a skilled cosmetic surgeon – she’s also certified by the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. To learn more about the hormone treatments our practice offers, read on or call 760-610-8990 to book your consultation.
What Are the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal decline. In menopausal women, this includes:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Poor sleep
- Lack of interest in sex or decreased libido
- Weight gain
- Low energy
- Mood swings
- Brain fog
- Heightened risk of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- Loss of bone density or osteoporosis
- Hair thinning
While some women experience mild symptoms of menopause that can be managed through lifestyle changes, others have moderate to severe side effects that disrupt their lives. If you fall into the latter group, HRT could provide some relief.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
Women aren’t the only ones who experience a decline in sex hormones as they age. Male testosterone levels typically decrease at a rate of 0.4% to 2% per year after the age of 30. Testosterone deficiency syndrome can cause symptoms like reduced sexual desire, lower energy levels, increased body fat, decreased motivation, and difficulty concentrating.
If these symptoms become disruptive, testosterone therapy could be beneficial. This treatment can help maintain bone density, sex drive, muscle mass, and red blood cell production while reducing some negative side effects of low testosterone.
Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause
When it comes to treating menopause, there are two main types of HRT. Estrogen-only therapy (ET) is often prescribed for post-menopausal women who have had a hysterectomy. Combined estrogen and progestogen therapy (EPT) is prescribed for women who still have a uterus since progestogen can reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
ET and EPT can be administered in numerous ways, including pills, sprays, patches, pellets, gels, and injections. Systemic therapies are designed to circulate throughout your bloodstream to reduce symptoms like hot flashes, osteoporosis, or mood swings. Nonsystemic treatments are delivered locally. For example, a cream or ring could reduce vaginal dryness.
Bioidentical HRT vs. Traditional HRT
In addition to the differences between ET and EPT, there are a couple of different ways hormone replacement medications are created. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses hormones like estradiol and progesterone that are chemically identical to those produced by your body but are derived from plant sources.
Synthetic hormones like PROVERA® and Premarin® have a different molecular structure than the hormones naturally found in your body. However, your system can convert synthetic hormones into a usable form.
Both BHRT and traditional HRT carry a risk of side effects but can be safe and effective therapies when appropriately prescribed by a qualified provider. During your HRT consultation, Dr. Diaz will take a comprehensive health history, explain the benefits and side effects of each treatment, and recommend the best option for you.
What Is Pellet Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Pellet hormone therapy is a convenient way to administer bioidentical hormones. After determining the appropriate dose and type of hormones, a provider can insert these tiny pellets into the fatty tissue of your hip. This can be done in-office with a local numbing agent. The pellets then release a constant supply of hormones for about three to five months in women and four to six months in men.
Schedule Your Hormone Replacement Therapy Consultation
If you’re struggling with the unpleasant effects of hormonal changes, schedule an appointment at Lombardo Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Maria Diaz is a board-certified gynecologic and cosmetic surgeon who utilizes her expertise in hormone therapy and women’s health conditions to create effective, holistic treatment plans. In addition to her extensive knowledge of menopause-related issues, Dr. Diaz has a reputation for providing warm and welcoming patient-focused care. Call 760-610-8990 to book your HRT consultation in Rancho Mirage, CA, or contact us online.
