Blue Heron Primary Care
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Understanding Hormonal Changes to Support Your Whole Health
Hormonal changes can affect much more than how you feel day to day. At Blue Heron Health, we take an individualized approach to hormone replacement therapy, considering your symptoms, health history, laboratory findings, and long-term health goals.
For women and men. Self-pay service. You do not need to be a Blue Heron Primary Care patient.
About Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) uses prescribed hormones to address hormone deficiency or hormone-related symptoms when treatment is clinically appropriate. Hormone levels naturally change throughout life, and certain hormonal changes can affect multiple aspects of health and quality of life.
Our approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, health risks, and laboratory findings. If hormone therapy is appropriate, we work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan and monitor your response over time.
Who It’s For
HRT may be considered for women experiencing symptoms associated with perimenopause or menopause, as well as men with clinically confirmed testosterone deficiency and appropriate symptoms. Hormonal symptoms can overlap with many other health conditions, which is why we look at the whole picture rather than assuming that a particular symptom is caused by hormones.
Why Hormone Health Matters
Bone Health
Estrogen and testosterone both play important roles in maintaining bone health. Changes in hormone levels can affect bone density, making bone health an important consideration when evaluating hormonal changes.
Body Composition & Muscle Health
Changes in hormones can be associated with changes in muscle mass, fat distribution, strength, and body composition. These factors are considered alongside nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and other aspects of metabolic health.
Hormonal changes can affect more than energy, sleep, or mood. Depending on the individual, they may be associated with changes in:
Cardiovascular Health
Hormonal changes occur alongside changes in cardiovascular risk factors throughout the aging process. We consider your blood pressure, cholesterol, metabolic health, family history, and other individual risk factors as part of your overall evaluation.
Sexual Health
Changes in estrogen and testosterone can affect libido, sexual function, and, for women, vaginal and genitourinary health.
Are You Experiencing Changes Like These?
Hormonal changes can show up in ways that are easy to attribute to stress, aging, or simply being busy. While these symptoms can have many possible causes, they may also be associated with changes in hormone levels.
Common Symptoms in Women
Common Symptoms in Men
- Hot flashes or night sweats
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
- Changes in energy or persistent fatigue
- Changes in mood or irritability
- Decreased libido or changes in sexual health
- Changes in body composition or difficulty maintaining muscle
- Joint or muscle aches
- Changes in concentration or mental clarity
- Decreased libido or changes in sexual function
- Low energy or persistent fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass or strength
- Changes in body composition
- Sleep changes
- Changes in mood or motivation
- Difficulty with concentration or mental clarity
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a hormone imbalance is the cause. Our evaluation looks at your symptoms alongside your medical history, health factors, and laboratory findings to determine whether hormonal changes may be contributing and whether treatment may be appropriate.
Treatment Options
When hormone replacement therapy is appropriate, the route and formulation are selected based on the hormone being treated, your medical history, clinical considerations, and preferences.
Patches & Creams
Transdermal therapies deliver hormones through the skin and may be an appropriate option for certain patients. The frequency of application varies depending on the specific product and treatment plan.
Hormone Pellets
Pellets are small implants placed beneath the skin that gradually release hormone over time. They may provide a longer-duration treatment option for appropriately selected patients.
Oral Options
Certain hormones are available in oral formulations. The benefits, risks, and appropriate route depend on the specific hormone and your individual health history.
HRT Safety & Monitoring
Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Our goal is to use the appropriate treatment, at the appropriate dose, for the appropriate patient while continually reassessing its benefits and risks.
1
Individualized Treatment
Your treatment plan is based on your symptoms, medical history, and goals. We’ll work together to find the safest, most effective approach for you.
2
Lab Monitoring
Laboratory testing may be used to assess hormone levels and monitor how your body is responding to treatment over time.
3
Ongoing Adjustments
Your symptoms and response to treatment matter alongside laboratory findings. We regularly reassess your treatment plan and make adjustments when clinically appropriate.
Is HRT Right for Me?
Hormone therapy is not appropriate for everyone. Whether it may be beneficial depends on factors such as your symptoms, age, medical history, hormone levels, cardiovascular and other health risks, and individual treatment goals.
Our first step is a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether hormone therapy is appropriate for you and to discuss the potential benefits, risks, alternatives, and monitoring involved.