Hormone Replacement Therapy

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemicals produced in the glands that make up your endocrine system and are responsible for telling your various body parts and organ systems what to do and for how long. Your hormones play a vital role in managing many important functions, including mood, sexual health, growth and development, and metabolism.

In order for your body to run efficiently, hormone levels need to be in balance. Producing too many or not enough of any hormone can cause many symptoms, from fatigue to depression to low libido. Though many women experience changes in estrogen levels as they approach menopause, hormone imbalance can occur at any age and for many reasons. 

Am I a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Dr. Clark determines if you’re a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during a consultation. You may want to consider scheduling an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with hormone changes such as:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Mental fogginess and memory issues
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Feeling cold
• Constipation

During a consultation, Dr. Clark reviews your symptoms and your medical and gynecological history. He also conducts a physical exam and may ask specific questions that indicate changes in hormone levels. A blood draw that tests hormones may also be needed. 

What are bioidentical hormones?

Dr. Clark uses bioidentical hormone pellets for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Bioidentical hormones are a more natural form of hormone replacement created from soy or yams and have the same chemical structure as the hormones in your body. When used as a hormone replacement, bioidentical hormones mimic the actions of your hormones to reduce symptoms. 

In addition to being a more natural hormone replacement option, bioidentical hormone pellets offered at The Clark Center are custom-designed to meet your specific hormone needs to optimize levels.

What can I expect during hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

After Dr. Clark determines that you would benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), he has your custom pellet created. The grain-size pellet is then inserted under the skin on your hip. The insertion of the bioidentical pellet is painless. There is no scarring and only requires a bandage for healing.

The bioidentical hormone pellet provides your body with a consistent dose of the hormones you need to optimize levels and improve your symptoms. The team at The Clark Center monitors you closely while undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and replaces your pellet when needed, usually every four to six months.

For an evaluation at The Clark Center to see if you would benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), call the office or use the online booking button today.