Hormone therapy involves using medications to supplement hormones when the body is not producing adequate amounts. As we age or due to medical conditions, hormone production can become imbalanced, leading to unpleasant symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can help restore optimal hormone levels, providing extensive benefits.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic specializes in all forms of hormone therapy to help the people of Auburn regain health, vitality and an improved quality of life. We offer cutting-edge, evidence-based treatment protocols to suit each patient's unique needs. Read on to learn more about common hormone imbalances we treat and how hormone therapy works.
There are several key hormones that can become imbalanced, causing sometimes debilitating symptoms:
Women produce less estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause. Declining estrogen is responsible for most menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, irregular periods, trouble sleeping and mood changes. Low progesterone exacerbates these effects and can cause additional issues like weight gain and anxiety.
Hormone replacement therapy can supply the estrogen and progesterone a woman's body is lacking to eliminate symptoms. Treatment choices may include oral tablets, skin patches, topical creams or suppository pessaries.
Testosterone plays key roles related to sex drive, energy, muscle mass, fat distribution, mood and cognitive function. Testosterone levels peak in early adulthood then gradually decline approximately 1% per year from age 30 onward. Some men develop chronic low testosterone, called hypogonadism, causing symptoms like fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction and depression.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is the gold standard treatment for low testosterone (low T), utilizing customized doses of testosterone medication to restore healthy levels.
Thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease cause the thyroid to underproduce essential hormones T3 and T4. Women are at higher risk than men. Without enough thyroid hormones, many body processes slow down, leading to weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, constipation and intolerance to cold.
Thyroid hormone replacement medications contain synthetic T4 (levothyroxine) and/or T3 (liothyronine) to resolve the hormone deficit. Treatment must continue lifelong for hypothyroidism but hyperthyroidism can sometimes be cured.
The right type of hormone replacement therapy may improve health for both men and women when facing:
Accurately diagnosing a hormone imbalance is crucial. Our medical team conducts thorough lab testing, medical history reviews and physical exams to determine if hormone therapy is warranted before developing customized treatment protocols.
There are generally three phases involved with hormone replacement administered by our clinicians:
We check baseline blood levels of key hormones like estradiol, testosterone and thyroid hormones. Testing may reveal very low or very high hormone concentrations. Target ranges are carefully determined depending on the patient’s age, symptoms and medical history.
Working together, our medical providers and patients agree upon the medications, doses and treatment schedules optimal for the individual’s needs and lifestyle. Hormone therapy modalities utilized by The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic include:
We carefully monitor patients at regular intervals to ensure therapies remain effective with minimal risks.
Over months of treatment, patients enjoy steady improvements in wellbeing as optimal hormone balance is reached and preserved. This maintenance phase sustains all the positive impacts of therapy long-term via an individualized regimen. As age or needs change, adjustments may be warranted.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Studies show that access to gender-affirming care improves mental health outcomes and lowers suicide risk. Hormone therapy plays an important role in supporting transgender people during their transition.
Like any medication, risks exist with hormone therapy. But for most people it is quite safe when expertly monitored by an experienced clinician. Potential side effects depend on factors like:
There are some increased health risks (like blood clots, strokes or certain cancers) among older women specifically using oral estrogen. So we often recommend transdermal routes or lower doses for menopausal patients.
Everyone responds uniquely to hormone therapies - hence our highly customized protocols using the optimal modalities at the lowest effective doses for each patient’s physiology and needs. We also incorporate nutritional support and lifestyle coaching for optimal results.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic are fully versed in the latest international medical consensus about the responsible administration of all hormone replacement therapies for transgender patients and those with age-related or medically-induced hormone deficiencies. We continually review new studies assessing safety, efficacy and patient satisfaction to refine our patient-centered balancing of benefits vs potential risks.
Our Auburn clinic's distinguished medical providers have over 25 years collective experience successfully treating hormone imbalances. Our practitioners include:
We provide compassionate, LGBTQ-affirming care respectful of all people and identities.
For your convenience, The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic offers evening and weekend hours. Our state-of-the-art facility located conveniently close to downtown Auburn has abundant free parking and is wheelchair accessible.
You'll enjoy private, spacious exam rooms to discuss symptoms, review lab work and explore treatment options. We pride ourselves on prompt treatment initiation for new patients - most begin hormone therapy within two weeks of their initial consultation when indicated.
Don't continue suffering from an untreated hormone imbalance that could potentially be resolved. The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic offers free 15-minute introductory phone consultations to see if we might help.
Our friendly staff looks forward to serving you.
There are many evidenced advantages of properly administered bioidentical hormone replacement tailored to the individual:
For many, optimized hormones impart:
The wide range of benefits varies across patients depending on age, gender, baseline deficiencies and other factors. Our Auburn providers account for each patient's needs and lifestyle when developing customized treatment protocols most likely to yield positive results.
To amplify the beneficial impacts of hormone therapy, we encourage patients to adopt healthy lifestyle habits shown to support hormone health. Recommendations include:
Nutrition
Physical Activity
Wellness
Routine
We understand making too many simultaneous lifestyle changes can feel overwhelming. Our clinicians guide patients towards incremental additions for sustainable improvements long-term.
The greater Auburn area offers abundant fitness, recreation and dining options to help those undergoing hormone therapy follow lifestyle recommendations. Top picks include:
This sampling of highly-rated establishments provide welcoming spaces to improve all facets of health while undergoing hormone therapy. Our knowledgeable clinicians can suggest additional Auburn resources catering to specific needs.
Attempting to ignore frustrating symptoms related to hormonal decline often worsens distress over time. The negative impacts compound, potentially causing:
Research shows only 3% people with low hormone levels receive treatment - largely due to inadequate testing, misdiagnoses or clinicians minimizing symptoms.
The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic employs cutting edge diagnostic testing paired with keen clinical discernment to accurately uncover hormone dysregulation. We educate and empower patients about safe, effective treatment options best addressing concerning symptoms infringing upon quality of life.
Through exceptional continuity of care, we journey with patients towards revitalized health and wellness goals with hormone therapy. We remain vigilant regarding side effects and adjust protocols as needed over months and years when challenges arise.
Don’t wait, suffering in silence, while treatable hormone deficiency robs you of joy and vitality.
Choosing the right hormone therapy provider for your needs is crucial. Our outstanding patient ratings and reviews reflect the The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic commitment to compassionate, ethical, evidence-based care.
Our valued patients praise us for:
We aim to earn your trust. Read more about our capabilities and patient success stories on our website at .
Then reach out to start meaningful conversations illuminating your options with our Auburn hormone therapy experts.
We hope reviewing the major hormones, associated deficiencies, proven medical treatments and lifestyle supports provides increased clarity.
Hormone balance is foundational for preserving optimal health and quality of life. When your body stops producing critical chemicals like estrogen, testosterone or thyroid hormones, nearly every system suffers.
Fortunately safe, effective therapies exist - especially when precise testing directs treatment customized for your unique physiology by a proficient clinician.
The The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic medical team looks forward to guiding your hormone regulation journey with cutting edge diagnostics, quality medications and attentive follow-up care.
We serve Auburn and surrounding communities with convenient appointments, a comfortable clinic and patient-first support you can rely on.
Contact The Balance - Hormone Medical Clinic today to learn more and get started towards feeling your best again!
