Hormone Replacement Therapy

When menopause symptoms interfere with your daily life, it’s time to consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Leo Altenberg, MD, and the team at El Paso Women’s Clinic provide customized HRT treatments at their office in El Paso, Texas. They use a more natural form of HRT that allows them to personalize your treatment, matching your unique hormonal needs. To find out more about hormone replacement therapy, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment for low hormone levels. Hormones are chemicals made by the endocrine glands that direct many body functions, including metabolism, heart rate, and reproduction.

When hormone levels are normal, everything works like it should. However, as you get older, production of your sex hormones — estrogen and progesterone — decline. These hormonal changes are a normal biological process that occurs in the months or years leading up to menopause (a transitional period called perimenopause).

Once you reach menopause, estrogen and progestertone levels decline significantly. These hormonal changes affect your physical and emotional well-being. HRT is a treatment for imbalanced hormones. 

Am I a candidate for hormone replacement therapy?

The team at El Paso Women’s Clinic determines if you’re a candidate for HRT after a consultation. You may want to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of menopause, such as:

• Mood changes
• Unexpected weight gain
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low libido
• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Vaginal dryness

The team reviews your symptoms and medical history. They also run lab work to check your hormone levels. El Paso Women’s Clinic may consider you a candidate for HRT if your hormone levels are low and your symptoms affect your quality of life.

They may not recommend HRT, however, if you have a history of breast or endometrial cancer, heart disease, liver disease, or blood clots. 

What happens during hormone replacement therapy?

El Paso Women’s Clinic uses bioidentical hormones for HRT. Bioidentical hormones are plant-based hormones modified to have the same structure and function as the hormones in your body. 

The team customizes your HRT plan to match your needs and provides treatment in pellet form. They place the pellet under your skin above your buttocks. The hormone pellet delivers small and consistent amounts of hormones, restoring balance and easing symptoms. 

What can I expect after starting hormone replacement therapy?

You can expect improvements in your menopause symptoms after starting HRT. However, it takes time for hormone levels to stabilize and you may not experience the full effects of your therapy until about a month after placement of your pellet*.

HRT eases many uncomfortable menopause symptoms. It also boosts your energy and improves mood.

The team schedules regular follow-up appointments to monitor your symptoms and hormone levels and replaces your hormone pellet as needed. 

To see if you can benefit from hormone replacement therapy, call El Paso Women’s Clinic or book an appointment online today.

*Individual results may vary