Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves supplementing hormones that are lacking in the body due to natural decline or medical conditions. HRT can provide immense benefits for both men and women by alleviating unpleasant symptoms of hormone deficiency and improving quality of life.
When hormones are out of balance, the entire body suffers. HRT helps restore optimal hormone levels, so you can feel like your best self again.
As we age, it's common for hormone levels to gradually decrease. This natural decline causes changes in the body and mind that affect energy, mood, sexual function, sleep, weight, memory, and more.
Both men and women can experience hormone deficiency, leading to symptoms such as:
A blood test from your healthcare provider can determine if your hormone levels are suboptimal. If so, hormone replacement therapy may be a beneficial treatment option.
Residents of Hershey and surrounding communities can improve their vitality and wellbeing through customized HRT programs offered by Renew Clinic. Our experienced providers tailor treatment plans to your unique needs, lifestyle, and health goals.
For women, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy may include:
For men, testosterone replacement therapy can:
Renew Clinic provides cutting-edge hormone replacement therapies based on the latest scientific research. Our clinic offers:
Renew Clinic is passionate about helping patients enjoy an improved quality of life through expert hormone replacement therapy in Hershey. Contact us today to learn more!
To start hormone replacement therapy, your provider will:
The initial phase involves gradually increasing your hormone levels until optimal balance is reached. Follow-up lab tests help us fine-tune your therapy for maximum benefits.
There are two main categories of hormones used in HRT:
Bioidentical hormones mimic the same molecular structure as the hormones made naturally in your body. They are derived from plant sources and are biologically identical to your own hormones.
Synthetic hormones have a different molecular makeup than endogenous human hormones. They are artificially created in a lab.
At Renew Clinic, we believe bioidentical hormones are generally the best choice for HRT because:
However, synthetic hormones may be preferred in some cases based on your medical profile and goals. Our experienced providers will guide you.
There are multiple options for getting hormones into your system through HRT:
| Delivery Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Injections | Administered weekly or biweekly. Hormones go right into the bloodstream. Very effective, but some dislike needles. |
| Oral Capsules | Bioidentical capsules absorbed through the digestive tract into the blood. Easy to take but must pass through the liver. |
| Transdermal Gels | Water-based gels deliver hormones through skin contact. Apply daily to arms, shoulders, thighs, or stomach. Good absorption. |
| Patches | Thin patches stick to skin and provide continuous hormone delivery. Change patch once or twice weekly. |
| Pellets | Tiny implants inserted under the skin every 3-6 months for steady hormone release. No daily dosing required. |
| Vaginal Creams | Topical creams provide localized hormone therapy for urogenital tissues. |
Renew Clinic will explain the pros and cons of each delivery system and help you choose the option best suited for your needs and preferences.
Testosterone deficiency becomes increasingly common as men age. Low testosterone manifests in symptoms like:
Testosterone replacement therapy using bioidentical testosterone is an effective treatment. Benefits include:
Testosterone is available in injections, gels, patches, and pellet implants. We'll help you choose the right delivery method to meet your needs.
Estrogen levels sharply decline during perimenopause and menopause, resulting in symptoms like:
Estrogen replacement therapy can effectively relieve these symptoms while conferring additional health benefits:
Estrogen is available as pills, patches, gels, sprays, and localized creams. Bioidentical estradiol is generally preferred over synthetic estrogens.
Progesterone works synergistically with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and support gestation and pregnancy. After menopause, many women are relatively progesterone deficient.
Replenishing progesterone relieves menopausal symptoms and provides protective health effects:
We offer bioidentical progesterone in capsule, oral drops, gel, or topical cream formulations.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone that gets converted into estrogen and testosterone. DHEA decline is linked to effects like:
DHEA replacement therapy using bioidentical DHEA suppresses excess cortisol, helps regulate other hormones, and may improve:
We provide bioidentical DHEA in convenient oral capsules or sublingual drops.
Your thyroid regulates metabolism, energy production, appetite, body temperature, and more. Low thyroid function can cause:
Thyroid hormone replacement restores normal metabolic function and relieves hypothyroidism symptoms. The bioidentical hormones T4 (levothyroxine) and T3 (liothyronine) normalize thyroid levels to:
We offer thyroid replacement in oral tablets or custom compounded capsules. Regular lab monitoring ensures optimal dosing.
There are some potential health risks associated with hormone replacement therapy. However, risks depend on the specific hormones used, doses, and your personal health profile.
To minimize risk, we:
Our experienced clinicians stay up to date on all the latest HRT research to make informed treatment decisions that maximize benefits and safety.
It's important to detect and treat hormone dysfunction promptly because imbalance can worsen over time, leading to more pronounced effects. The benefits of quick intervention include:
Don't settle for a suboptimal state of living. If you suspect hormone imbalance, get tested promptly so you can get back on track quickly! The specialists at Renew Clinic are here to help.
The providers at Renew Clinic specialize in treating hormonal dysfunction using the latest advances in precision hormone replacement therapy. We're driven by our passion to help people enjoy an improved quality of life by optimizing their hormone balance.
Our clinic offers:
We don't take a cookie-cutter approach to HRT. After assessing your lab results, health status, lifestyle and goals, we design tailored regimens using the most effective hormones, doses, and delivery methods for your unique biology.
We keep up with the latest HRT research and techniques. This enables us to provide the most innovative, proven hormone therapies to help you look and feel your best.
Our board-certified practitioners have advanced training in age management medicine, regenerative therapies, and optimization of human physiology. We've helped thousands restore their vitality.
We listen carefully, answer all your questions, and provide five-star customer service. Your satisfaction is our top priority. We're committed to supporting your hormone health every step of the way.
We address all lifestyle factors - nutrition, exercise, stress management, sleep hygiene - that affect hormone balance and health. Our comprehensive plans help you maximize the benefits of HRT.
To start feeling your best again with expert hormone replacement therapy in a welcoming, professional environment, contact the hormone health specialists at Renew Clinic today.
Hormone imbalances can significantly impact your quality of life, but expert hormone replacement therapy can help you regain your vitality and well-being. At Renew Clinic, our dedicated team provides personalized, cutting-edge treatments tailored to your unique needs. Don't let hormone deficiencies hold you back any longer. Partner with us to optimize your hormone levels and reclaim your health and zest for living.
Frequently Asked Questions About HRT
Both men and women can experience symptoms like fatigue, low libido, weight gain, poor sleep, decreased muscle mass, anxiety, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, trouble concentrating, memory lapses, irritability, and depression when hormones are deficient.
A blood draw is required to measure hormone levels. We test sex hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone as well as metabolic hormones like thyroid, DHEA, and cortisol. Testing reveals imbalances and guides customized treatment plans.
Bioidentical hormones have the identical molecular structure as the hormones naturally made by your body. Synthetic hormones have a man-made, different molecular structure. Bioidentical hormones are generally considered more natural with potentially fewer side effects.
Most patients notice some improvements in energy, sleep, and other areas within 1-2 weeks as hormone levels rise. Maximum benefits are typically experienced within 2-3 months as hormones stabilize in optimal ranges. We fine tune dosing based on your ongoing feedback.
There is no single best delivery method. We consider your lifestyle, preferences, symptoms, and health goals when advising on injections, pills, patches, gels, or other options. All methods can be effective if dosed properly.
John's Journey with Testosterone Replacement Therapy
John was a 48-year-old man who started noticing some troubling symptoms a few years ago - a lack of energy, difficulty concentrating, low motivation, reduced muscle mass, weight gain around his midsection, and a complete lack of interest in sex.
At first, he chalked it up to normal aging, but the symptoms gradually got worse. He began having more frequent bad moods, hot flashes, and night sweats. His wife was concerned about the personality changes.
John's doctor ran some bloodwork which showed his total and free testosterone levels were extremely low. After discussing treatment options, John decided to start testosterone replacement therapy using testosterone cypionate injections.
Within about 3 weeks, John's energy and motivation started improving. After 2 months, his mood, memory, and muscle mass increased significantly. He was sleeping better and lost 15 pounds.
John says TRT felt like it took 10 years off his life. His wife noticed the positive personality shifts and their sex life entered a whole new phase.
Now at optimal testosterone levels for the last 6 months, John says he looks and feels better than he has in over a decade. He tells all his buddies with symptoms of low T to get their hormone levels checked and "get their juice back."
Debunking 5 Myths About HRT
There are some common misconceptions regarding hormone replacement therapy. Let's clear up the confusion with facts.
Fact: When administered appropriately under medical supervision, research shows HRT is safe and effective for most people. Potential risks are low, especially with bioidentical hormones.
Fact: Quality research demonstrates no increased risk of cancer with bioidentical hormone therapy. Estrogen treatment actually lowers breast cancer occurrence.
Fact: Physiologic doses of bioidentical
