What is Hormone Replacement Therapy? 

Hormone therapy is the use of hormones to treat and restore hormone balance within the human body. Hormone imbalance can occur for a variety of reasons, but is most commonly associated with aging. Symptoms of hormone imbalance that are effectively treated with hormone replacement therapy include hot flashes, night sweats, irritability, anxiety, weight gain, muscle loss, joint pain, poor sleep, and more. 

At EVEXIAS Health Solutions, our practitioners exclusively offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy integrated with functional medicine practices to help patients overcome the negative symptoms of hormone imbalance, as well as experience wellbeing and better health as they age. Every treatment plan is designed to suit the unique needs of each patient’s personal medical history, health status, and lifestyle preferences. 

Synthetic vs. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) uses bioidentical hormones derived from natural sources and compounded to be an exact structural match to the hormones inside the human body.  

Synthetic hormones are often derived from animals and combined with chemicals to create a hormone therapy that is similar, but not exactly like human hormones. 

The natural ingredients combined with the molecular match allows bioidentical hormones to fit into human hormone receptors exactly as naturally-occurring hormones. This feature ensures the safety and efficacy of the treatment. With synthetic hormones, the molecular structure is merely similar, causing the body to struggle with recognition of the substance and, therefore, causing side effects and poor outcomes. 

In the past, most research into hormone therapy focused on synthetic hormones, but as the effectiveness of bioidentical hormone therapy has become renowned, researchers are turning their attention to BHRT. Bioidentical hormones have been heralded as a natural hormone therapy option and are effective for disease prevention as well as eliminating uncomfortable symptoms that often occur as part of the aging process. 

Most famously, the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggested that hormone therapy was dangerous. At the time, this was the largest-ever study on hormone therapy. It was designed to compare the efficacy of estrogen-only therapy and a combination of progesterone and estrogen therapies. For the study, researchers used synthetic hormones and many of the participants were of advanced age and higher risk of disease before the study began. These factors led many experts to review the study and uncover flaws in the methodologies used. These reviews have led large medical organizations, experts, and communities to revise previous policies against the use of hormone therapy. Today, the known benefits of hormone replacement therapy are numerous and it is believed to be the best treatment option for hormone imbalance and prevention of disease. 

New research has also linked the use of bioidentical hormone therapy to better outcomes, finding that patients have fewer side effects along with enhanced benefits. 

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Patients suffering from conditions and symptoms of hormone imbalance, including menopause, andropause (also known as low testosterone in men), erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, pain with sex, difficulty sleeping, trouble losing weight, muscle aches, and moodiness can benefit from natural hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormone therapy is available in a variety of delivery methods and are prescribed to meet the specific needs of each individual. 

Thyroid Hormone Therapy

Approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from thyroid dysfunction, yet 60 percent of Americans are undiagnosed. This is often due to the ambiguous nature of symptoms, which classically masquerade as symptoms of stress, aging, or even depression and anxiety. Untreated thyroid dysfunction can increase your risk of other diseases or worsen the impact of other conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease.

If you feel tired all the time, struggle with sleep, weight gain, depression, anxiety, or mood swings–it might be a hormone imbalance related to your thyroid. The thyroid influences nearly every cell in the body, making any dysfunction a significant issue.

The good news is that thyroid hormone imbalances can be treated; however, not just any treatment will do. Treatment must begin with accurate lab testing of all the hormones that play a role in thyroid function, including: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4, reverse T3, and cortisol. Your practitioner should evaluate all of these hormones throughout the treatment process to adequately assess thyroid function and determine the progress of treatment.

Thyroid dysfunction can impact your overall health and contribute to uncomfortable symptoms. EVEXIAS Health Solutions trains providers to expertly assess lab results, looking beyond obscure ranges of “normal” and seeking to achieve optimal health and function for each patient. If you are concerned about your thyroid health or are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, it is time to find a provider near you.

Estrogen Hormone Therapy

As a woman ages, estrogen levels decline, with sharp decreases occurring near middle age. Low levels of estrogen have been shown to contribute to uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, weight gain, mood swings, and more. Although the dramatic decline and affiliated symptoms are classically linked to perimenopause and menopause, low estrogen can occur before middle age.

Women experiencing symptoms of low estrogen should have their hormone levels evaluated by an expert who is trained to carefully analyze lab results and understands the delicate nature of hormonal imbalance. Though your lab results may show that your levels are within “normal” range, it may not be the definition of “normal” for you. Providers trained in hormone balance know that there is a distinct difference between “normal” and optimal.

Low levels of estrogen can impact your overall health and contribute to uncomfortable symptoms. Either condition can occur with menopause. Estrogen pellet therapy may be an effective solution to low estrogen and can help relieve symptoms of hormone imbalance. EvexiPEL estrogen pellet therapy is a bioidentical hormone therapy option that uses the highest-quality ingredients, proprietary formulation, and requires advanced-level training for all EvexiPEL-certified providers.

Testosterone Hormone Therapy

Many people believe that testosterone is the male hormone. However, both men and women make and need testosterone for optimal health. Testosterone plays a significant role in male and female sexual health, brain health, and weight management. As testosterone levels decline with age, you may experience a lack of focus, brain fog, low libido, an inability to build muscle, or weight gain.

Testosterone therapy helps patients identify and restore hormone levels to an optimal state to eliminate symptoms and enhance health and wellbeing. Testosterone therapy is also effective in supporting a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke and heart attack. Testosterone therapy is available as injections, creams, and pellets. Testosterone pellet therapy is renowned as the most effective form of testosterone therapy.

Delivery Methods of Hormone Replacement Therapy

When your body requires hormone replacement therapy, there are a number of delivery methods available to meet your needs. You can choose from pills, patches, creams, gels, injections or pellets. You will want to chat with your hormone therapy doctor about which options are the most effective and how to make the right choice for your lifestyle. 

Pellet Therapy

Pellet therapy is among the oldest forms of hormone therapy, dating back to the 1930s. With the many advancements in technology, pellet therapy is now considered the most effective delivery method of hormone therapy and the preferred option among patients and providers. 

Pellet therapy is available for estradiol and testosterone hormone replacement. The hormone is compounded into a tiny pellet and inserted into the upper layer of skin, just above the buttocks. Aside from the convenience of never having to remember to take a pill, slather on cream, or put on a patch, this delivery method is the most optimal for a natural dosing structure and bioavailability. Pellet therapy mimics the slow, steady dosing that occurs naturally within the ovaries or testicles of the human body. Your doctor will use your lab work, symptom assessment, lifestyle, and reaction to the therapy to achieve an optimal prescription. Pellet therapy is designed to meet the unique needs of the individual, so you get exactly what your body needs, when it needs it–much like nature intended. 

Creams and Gels 

Creams are a topical form of hormone replacement therapy and available for cyclical progesterone, testosterone, and estrogen therapies. You will receive a custom-compounded cream or gel to apply as directed by your physician to a specific area of the body. For example, men may apply testosterone cream to the testicles, while women may apply in the vagina. 

While there are some advantages to creams and gels, there are many risks. The primary side effect reported is outcomes related to transference to a relationship spouse/partner, other family members or pets that you may come into contact with after application. 

Patches

Patches are another delivery method that offers convenient application and avoids errors in dosing. This option is available for estrogen therapy. 

A patch, much like a bandaid, is attached to the skin with the prescribed dose of hormones. The patch stays on the skin for a recommended time period, delivering hormones through the skin until a new patch is required. 

The visibility of the patch and the risk of the patch falling off often turns patients away from this method.

Pills

Pills are a familiar form of hormone therapy. Much like many other oral medications, hormone replacement therapy pills are compounded to your prescribed dose and ingested at a specified frequency.

Pills are among the most well-studied forms of hormone replacement therapy. It does come with higher-risk side effects, particularly when chosen for estrogen and testosterone therapies. Oral hormone therapy is classically prescribed for thyroid disorders and cyclical progesterone therapy.

Injections

Hormone replacement therapy injections are commonly used for testosterone or estrogen therapy. There are two types of injections: intra-muscular and subcutaneous. 

Intramuscular injections

Intramuscular injections inject the hormones deep into the muscle tissue facilitating faster absorption into the bloodstream. 

Subcutaneous Injections

Subcutaneous injections penetrate just beneath the surface of the skin for a slower rate of absorption. 

Injections are often less preferable than pellets because of the pain associated with the injection, as well as the intensity of the hormone delivery following the injection. Pellets offer a more stable, steady dose reducing the side effects throughout the dosing cycle.

What are the Signs You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Men and women who feel they may have lost their “zeal for life,” or frequently experience low energy, sleepless nights, hair loss, low or no desire for sex, hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, irritability and more are candidates for hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone imbalance is often an unfortunate side effect of aging that can diminish your quality of life and impact relationships. Bioidentical hormone therapy has been shown to be particularly effective for both women and men with few side effects and added benefits, such as reduced risk of disease.

Women and Men

Hormone Imbalance Symptoms can affect Anyone

The more common causes of hormonal balance tend to produce the following symptoms in both men and women:

Weight Gain
Unexplained Weight Gain
or Weight Loss
Brittle or Weak Bones
Brittle or Weak
Bones
Poor Sleep
Poor Sleep
 
Irritability and Anxiety
Irritability
or Anxiety
Long Term Fatigue
Long Term Fatigue
w/o Reason
Headaches
Headaches
 
Low Libido Low Sex Drive
Low Libido
Low Sex Drive
Bwam-Image-08
Very Dry Skin
or Skin Rashes
Sensitivity to Cold and Heat
Changes in Sensitivity
to Cold and Heat
Bwam-Image-09
Unexplained or
Excessive Sweating

The list of symptoms goes on and on, which is why it’s important you speak with your trusted medical provider to see if your symptoms are indicative of hormonal imbalance.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

Hormone imbalance in men can occur at any age and is as common among men as it is among women. Men who choose to pursue male hormone replacement therapy experience a number of benefits, including improved strength and muscle mass, healthier sex drive and performance, more energy, better sleep, and better weight management. 

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Men

Men  may experience low levels of any number of hormones, but low testosterone is the most common. Testosterone production naturally reduces in men as they age, making it difficult to enjoy the benefits of natural testosterone later in life. 

Conditions and symptoms of hormone imbalance in men include: 

  • Muscle Loss
  • Weight Gain
  • Low Energy
  • Gynecomastia (Man Boobs)
  • Poor Sleep
  • Night Sweats in Men
  • Lower Sex Drive
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Hair Loss
  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Impaired Sexual Performance
  • Difficulty Urinating
  • Lack of Focus
Low Testosterone or Andropause

Low testosterone, also known as low T or andropause, is classically observed in men at middle age. Research suggests that around age 45, nearly 40 percent of men will begin to experience symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone levels begin to decline in a man around his late 20s and recede over time. By age 40, most men begin to notice at least one or two symptoms of andropause or low testosterone. 

Many men will brush off these symptoms as side effects of aging and delay or never seek treatment. Low levels of testosterone are risky to a man’s health. A number of studies have confirmed that low testosterone is correlated with an increased risk of disease and seeking treatment to achieve hormonal balance can support reduced risk of disease. 

Thyroid Hormone Therapy for Men 

Though cases of thyroid disorder are more commonly diagnosed in women, many men suffer from thyroid disorder as well. Symptoms may include dry skin, heat or cold intolerance, hair loss, heart palpitations and more. The thyroid plays a significant role in metabolic function and influences almost every cell in the body. When thyroid disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated, the condition can worsen leading to other serious diseases, such as fibromyalgia or heart disease. 

Thyroid hormone imbalances in men can be treated. Treatment must begin with accurate lab testing, Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, T4, reverse T3, and cortisol each play a role in thyroid function. To adequately measure thyroid function and monitor the progress of treatment, a practitioner should evaluate all of these hormones throughout the treatment process. 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment for thyroid dysfunction in men. Unlike synthetic options, bioidentical hormones can be tailored to the unique needs of your body. Each hormone is designed to be structurally identical to the hormones made by the human body, eliminating harmful side effects and improving the efficacy of the treatment. 

Hormone Pellet Therapy for Men 

Bioidentical hormone pellet therapy for men provide natural restoration of testosterone, mimicking the natural structure and function of testosterone made by the human body. 

Unlike other delivery methods, pellet therapy maximizes convenience and efficacy to achieve optimal results. During a routine appointment with your provider, a pellet is inserted under the top dermal layer near the upper buttock area. Over the course of 5 to 7 months, depending on your body’s needs and lifestyle, the pellet releases a steady dose of testosterone to support your body’s needs. For men who are more active or under high stress, more hormone is released—the same reaction as the body would have with natural testosterone. 

EVEXIAS Health Solutions offers patient EvexiPEL testosterone pellets. EvexiPEL has a reputation as the superior form of pellet therapy because it is custom-compounded with the highest quality ingredients in one of the leading compounding pharmacies in the nation. For men seeking to achieve optimal outcomes and experience life to the fullest at any age, find an EvexiPEL-certified provider near you. 

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women 

Women face hormonal fluctuations at least once per month with several significant hormone-altering events across a lifetime. Puberty, monthly menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause all contribute to hormonal changes that can impact a woman’s health, well-being, and quality of life.  Among women, hormone imbalance can happen at any age. Uncomfortable symptoms related to imbalanced levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone often appear after childbirth or when approaching menopause, also called perimenopause. Thyroid disorders can occur for a number of reasons and are also a type of hormone imbalance. When hormonal imbalances are left undiagnosed and untreated, women become at increased risk of disease.  Natural bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is the solution for women experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps women find relief with fewer side effects and better results. An EVEXIAS Health Solutions provider can help you discover hormone balance and optimization with natural therapies that promote health and a complete sense of wellbeing. 

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Women

Hormonal imbalance can affect your personal health and multiple facets of daily life, including your sleep, relationships, weight management, and energy levels. This is because hormones play a vital role in regulating biological processes, such as fertility, sexual function and desire, mood, stress, body temperature, sleep/wake cycles, heart rate, appetite regulation, and metabolism. If even one hormone is overproduced or underproduced, the impact can be life-altering. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, it is time to talk to a provider specially-trained to treat hormone imbalance.

  • Weight Gain
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Mood Swings
  • Hot Flashes
  • Night Sweats
  • Low Libido
  • Vaginal Dryness
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Low Energy
  • Lack of Focus
  • Fibroids
  • Endometriosis
  • Abdominal Cramping
  • Headaches
  • Joint Pain

Early symptoms of female hormone imbalance are commonly dismissed as signs of aging or stress brought on by everyday life. Many women continue to suffer without realizing that perimenopause and menopause should not cause daily symptoms and ongoing distress. Thyroid dysfunction presents with symptoms similar to menopausal hormone imbalance and should not be left untreated. If you are experiencing symptoms of a hormone imbalance, don’t dismiss them, talk to an expert in hormone health, like a provider trained by EVEXIAS Health Solutions.

Menopause Symptoms and Treatment

Menopause is one of the leading causes of hormonal imbalance among women. Menopausal changes typically begin around the age of 50, but there are a number of women who report distressing and uncomfortable symptoms much younger—even before the perimenopausal years. Hormone imbalance can occur at any age. Symptoms may include hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, weight gain, mood swings, and difficulty sleeping. When left untreated, symptoms can last years—more than a decade in some cases—impacting relationships, productivity at work or home, and reducing overall quality of life.

Fortunately, menopausal symptoms can be effectively treated with natural hormone therapy. Within the last decade, more than ten major medical organizations have endorsed menopausal hormone therapy as the best treatment option for menopause. Bioidentical hormone therapy allows women to experience the vast benefits of hormone replacement therapy for menopause without the risks or side effects associated with synthetic hormones.

Thyroid Hormone Therapy for Women

Thyroid disorders are common in women causing symptoms that can influence your weight, energy levels, memory, focus, skin, hair, mood and more. Thyroid issues occur when the thyroid hormone production is excessive or reduced. Too much thyroid hormone is known as overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism. Too little thyroid hormone is known as underactive thyroid of hypothyroidism.

The thyroid plays an essential role in the metabolism. Dysfunction can cause many systems and processes within the body to become ineffective. The primary hormones that regulate thyroid function are triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Cortisol and reverse T3 also influence thyroid function. For this reason, thyroid disorder treatment is complex and requires a careful review of symptoms, as well as laboratory testing of all five influential hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment option for women struggling with thyroid hormone imbalance. Unlike treatment with common synthetic medications, such as Synthroid, Synthroid, Levoxyl, and Tirosint, bioidentical hormone therapy is tailored to your unique needs and your treatment plan will include support for all your thyroid hormones, not just TSH.

Hormone Pellet Therapy for Women

Hormone replacement pellet therapy is recognized as one of the most effective hormone therapy options. A number of studies have reported on the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement therapy.

Pellets are inserted under the skin near the hip or buttocks area during a routine appointment with your provider. After insertion, the pellet releases a steady dose of hormone(s) over 3 to 5 months depending on your activity and stress level–much like your natural hormones. This feature avoids the peaks and valleys commonly associated with other hormone replacement therapy delivery methods. Plus, you do not have to remember to take a pill each day or risk transference like you do with creams or gels.

Women who choose hormone pellet therapy report an improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of beginning the treatment. Within a few months, most women report an improvement in other areas of their health an well-being, including better moods, more energy and an increased sex drive.

EVEXIAS Health Solutions exclusively offers patients EvexiPEL pellet therapy, the superior form of pellet therapy known for its high quality ingredients and effective outcomes. EvexiPEL is compounded at one of the leading compounding pharmacies in the country. For women seeking relief from uncomfortable symptoms of hormone imbalance and the benefits of a healthier, higher quality of life–EvexiPEL is the best choice.

Is Hormone Therapy Effective?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been proven effective for the treatment of hormone imbalance related to conditions such as andropause (low testosterone in men), menopause, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD), and thyroid dysfunction. HRT has also been shown to effectively reduce or eliminate symptoms of aging such as:

  • Hot Flashes
  • Night Sweats
  • Mood Swings
  • Muscle Loss
  • Abdominal Belly Fat
  • Poor Sleep
  • Fatigue
  • Low Energy
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Irritability
  • Lack of Focus
  • Low Libido
  • Foggy Thinking

When you choose bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, you are making a choice for a healthier, higher quality of life. Hormonal imbalances can be difficult to identify because the symptoms present very differently in different people. When you’re working on a tough project or getting ready for a big event, it’s normal to feel tired or moody, but when you are losing sleep night after night, chronically on edge with your spouse, or enduring hot flashes and inexplicable weight gain, it’s time to ask yourself, “How long have I been feeling like this?”  

A hormone imbalance will not simply go away on its own. Seek the care of an expert in hormonal health who can help you get to the root of your problems and support your wellbeing with effective solutions. EVEXIAS Health Solutions trains providers to look at the whole picture, reviewing hormone health and related dependencies to create a treatment that is specifically designed to help you reach your personal level of optimization.

Is Hormone Therapy Safe?

There have been a number of studies and meta-analyses reviewing the safety and efficacy of hormone therapy and bioidentical hormones. The outcomes suggest that bioidentical hormones are the safer, more effective option for treating conditions and symptoms of hormone imbalance when compared to methods of hormone therapy that use non-bioidentical hormone therapies. 

In addition to effectively treating hormone imbalance, other studies have linked bioidentical hormones to a reduced risk of cardiovascular complications and breast cancer when compared to non-bioidentical hormone therapies. 

Are there Hormone Therapy Side Effects?

For most patients, the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement are positive and transformative. However, when starting any new medication or treatment, it is important to talk to your doctor about your medical history and make him/her aware of all details of your health. 

In some cases, patients may experience sudden or severe headaches, blurry vision, slurred speech, and dizziness, shortness of breath or fainting. These symptoms are typically associated with blood clotting issues in the patient. Often, these issues are linked to the hormone administered with the therapy and not the method of delivery. 

How Much Does Hormone Therapy Cost?

Hormone therapy costs less than you think. In fact, many plans cost less per day than you might pay for one of those fancy cups of coffee at popular coffeehouses. 

In many cases, your labs are covered by insurance, meaning it doesn’t cost you anything to identify the areas your body may be deficient. Following your labs, you will often have a consultation with your provider to review your lab results, and talk about your options for treatment.  

Most men and women choose pellet therapy because it reduces the risk of dosing errors, wasted medication, and delivers superior results. For men, a single pellet may last between 5 and 7 months, often dependent on factors like stress and activity level. For women, a single pellet lasts between 3 and 5 months, depending on the same factors as men. 

Getting Started on Hormone Therapy

Ready to get started on your journey to a healthier, better quality of life? EVEXIAS Health Solutions (EHS) can help you transform your life with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy combined with integrated functional medicine treatment plans from a highly-trained provider. With EHS-trained medical providers across the country, it is easy to find someone near you and take the first step toward finding relief from the symptoms of hormone imbalance.