Hormone
Replacement
Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that involves replacing hormones that are no longer being produced in sufficient quantities by the body. HRT is most commonly used to treat the symptoms of menopause in women, and symptoms of andropause in men. These hormonal changes can bring about many uncomfortable symptoms that affect personal and professional relationships and dramatically impact an individual’s state of health and quality of life. Fortunately, there are safe and effective options to address these scenarios.
SO MUCH MORE THAN HORMONE THERAPY
The connection between hormonal status and risk of disease is irrefutable – hormones have an extremely large impact on the cardiovascular system, systemic function, longevity and overall risk of chronic disease. Because Dr. Alberts specializes in hormone therapy, you can expect a thorough evaluation of your hormone levels, adrenal and thyroid systems. Owing to the fact that cardiovascular disease is the #1 cause of death in the world, Dr. Alberts believes an aggressive approach to prevention is key to an optimal protocol. Therefore, in addition to a hormonal assessment, Dr. Alberts will also make a thorough assessment of cardiometabolic risk, overall health and function, and risk of chronic disease when customizing any treatment plan.
HRT for Women
During menopause, a woman’s body produces less estrogen and progesterone, which can cause a range of symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. HRT can help alleviate these symptoms by replacing the hormones that the body is no longer producing. HRT can help alleviate the symptoms of menopause and improve overall quality of life for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
Types of HRT
There are several options to consider when constructing a safe and effective hormone therapy protocol for a woman, including estrogen-only therapy, combination therapy (estrogen and progesterone), and testosterone therapy. The adrenals and thyroid systems play a supportive role with hormonal balance and must also be taken into consideration when creating a hormone protocol. Dr. Alberts prescribes only bio-identical forms of hormones.
Routes of Administration
HRT may be administered in different forms, such as pills, patches, creams, gels, injectables and pellets.
HRT Alternatives
There are alternative treatments and lifestyle modifications that may help alleviate menopausal symptoms, such as nutraceutical supplements, dietary changes, and stress reduction techniques.
Dr. Alberts takes into consideration each patient’s individual concerns, risk factors, medical history and unique set of circumstances when prescribing any hormone therapy protocol. Each woman is unique. Every protocol is customized.
Estrogen maintains structure and function of the bones, eyes and cardiovascular system as we age. It provides cardiometabolic support by improving metabolic rate and cholesterol (lowers LDL and increases HDL). Estrogen maintains elasticity of the arteries and acts as a natural calcium blocker to keep them open, decreases platelet stickiness and lowers risk of cardiovascular disease by 40-50%. It also maintains collagen, decreases wrinkles and helps with memory and concentration. It even lowers risk of developing colon cancer.
Estrogen for Women
Because estrogen performs over 400 functions in the body, it’s no wonder it’s an extremely important component of optimal health and longevity.
Signs & Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency:
- Hot flashes
- Vaginal dryness
- Discomfort with intercourse
- Increased facial hair
- Decrease in breast size
- Brittle hair and nails
- Aging skin
- Difficulty losing weight
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance or diabetes
- Frequent UTIs
- Bladder problems
- Bone loss
- Acne
- Anxiety
Causes of Estrogen Deficiency:
- Natural (age, menopause)
- Surgical (ovaries removed)
- Premature ovarian decline (menopause in women under 40)
Progesterone for Women
Progesterone is a key component in providing balance to many HRT protocols. Its importance is significant enough that it is required in most cases.
Symptoms of Progesterone Deficiency:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Irregular cycles
- PMS/PMDD
- Low libido
- Migraines
- Pain and inflammation
Causes of Progesterone Deficiency:
- Menopause
- High prolactin
- Low thyroid hormones
- Antidepressants
- Nutrient deficiencies (A, C, Zinc, B6)
- Sugar
- Saturated fat
- Stress
Progesterone has a natural calming effect and helps to balance estrogen. For many women, it is wonderful for supporting restful sleep. It is produced in the ovaries until menopause, at which point it is often the first hormone to decline. It helps with good sleep, supports bone strength, and is a natural anti-inflammatory. It supports a healthy mood and prevents depression, anxiety and irritability. It also helps relax the muscles in the gut so nutrients can be absorbed appropriately.
Testosterone supports good energy levels and stamina, as well as improved strength and recovery from exercise. The mental-emotional benefits of testosterone are notable and include potential improvements to anxiety and depression, a refined outlook on life, and increased confidence and motivation. For women, testosterone also provides an emotional shield, preventing weepiness and over-sensitivity. Other significant benefits to note include improvements to sexual health, cardiometabolic health and lower risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, CVD and Alzheimer’s.
Treatment Options
Certain lifestyle adjustments, such as weight lifting, have been shown to increase testosterone. Avoidance of excessive alcohol, sugars, processed foods and smoking is also related to healthy testosterone levels. And did you know? – holding a “Hero Pose” for 2 minutes has been shown to increase testosterone by up to 17?! There are many approaches for improving hormonal balance, and including testosterone in a treatment protocol can be a safe and effective option for many women.
Testosterone for Women
Often an overlooked component to women’s health, testosterone is an extremely important aspect to a woman’s optimal health, physical health and emotional well-being.
Signs & Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency:
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Hyperemotional states
- Low self-esteem
- Low motivation
- Mild depression
- Poor muscle tone
- Weight gain (abdominal)
- Low libido
- Dry or thinning hair
- Low HDL (“good” cholesterol)
Causes of Testosterone Deficiency:
- Normal aging process
- Menopause
- Adrenal fatigue
- Poor thyroid function
- Prolonged states of stress
- Emotional or physical trauma
- Childbirth
- Birth control pills
TRT for Men
Andropause for men is comparable to menopause in women, and is indicative of low testosterone levels. Dr. Alberts begins screening for testosterone imbalances with her male patients when they are in their 30’s, which is when testosterone levels begin to decline.
Routes of Administration
TRT may be administered in different forms, such as pills, creams, gels, injectables and pellets.
Testosterone supports good energy levels, stamina and drive. Many men will notice improvements in strength, endurance, muscle mass and recovery from exercise. The mental-emotional benefits of testosterone are notable and include potential improvements to anxiety and depression, a refined outlook on life, and increased confidence and motivation. Other significant benefits to note include improvements to sexual health, cardiometabolic health and lower risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, CVD and Alzheimer’s.
Treatment Options
Certain lifestyle adjustments, such as weight lifting, have been shown to increase testosterone. Avoidance of excessive alcohol, sugars, processed foods and smoking is also related to healthy testosterone levels. And did you know? – holding a “Hero Pose” for 2 minutes has been shown to increase testosterone by up to 17?! There are many approaches for improving hormonal balance, and including testosterone in a treatment protocol can be a safe and effective option for many men.
Dr. Alberts takes into consideration each patient’s individual concerns, risk factors, medical history and unique set of circumstances when prescribing any hormone therapy protocol. Each man is unique. Every protocol is customized.
How does TRT Work?
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical treatment that replaces testosterone, a hormone that plays a crucial role in male sexual and reproductive development. Testosterone is produced by the testicles and is responsible for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, erectile function and sperm production. Testosterone also supports mental-emotional and states of well-being, and it safeguards the cardiovascular system by offering protection from heart disease.
Signs & Symptoms of Low Testosterone:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low libido
- Low self-esteem
- Depression or anxiety
- Poor endurance
- Low muscle mass
- Poor recovery from exercise
- Fatigue
- Low motivation
- Weight gain (abdominal)
- Poor memory and focus
- Dry or thinning hair
- Low HDL cholesterol
Causes of Testosterone Deficiency:
- Normal aging process
- Poor thyroid function
- Prolonged states of stress
- Metabolic issues (ie insulin resistance)
- Emotional or physical trauma
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