What Is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone Therapy for women (HT) is a treatment used to alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances or deficiencies in women. These imbalances can occur due to various life stages, including menopause, perimenopause, or certain medical conditions. Hormone therapy aims to restore hormone levels to their optimal balance, improving overall health and quality of life.
Benefits Of Hormone Therapy
Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women
- Relief from Menopausal Symptoms: HT can significantly reduce hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, which are common during menopause.
- Improved Mood and Mental Health: Many women experience mood swings, anxiety, and depression due to hormonal changes. Hormone therapy can help stabilize mood and enhance mental well-being.
- Increased Energy Levels: Hormonal imbalances often lead to fatigue. Restoring hormone levels can boost energy and vitality.
- Enhanced Bone Health: HT helps in maintaining bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
- Better Sleep: By alleviating night sweats and hot flashes, hormone therapy can improve sleep quality.
- Improved Sexual Health: Hormone therapy can address issues such as vaginal dryness and decreased libido, enhancing sexual health and intimacy.
Signs Of Low Hormones
Low hormones can cause a wide variety of symptoms depending on which hormone is affected (such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, thyroid, or cortisol). Here’s a breakdown of common general symptoms of hormone imbalance or low hormone levels:
General Symptoms
- Fatigue or low energy
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
- Brain fog, poor memory, or trouble concentrating
- Low libido or sexual dysfunction
- Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
Low Estrogen (common in women, especially during perimenopause/menopause)
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Irregular or missed periods
- Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy
- Thinning hair and dry skin
- Increased risk of osteoporosis or bone loss
Low Progesterone
- Irregular or heavy periods
- Trouble sleeping
- Increased anxiety or irritability
- Migraines or headaches
Low Testosterone (in both men and women, but more obvious in men)
- Reduced muscle mass and strength
- Increased body fat (especially belly fat)
- Low libido or erectile dysfunction (in men)
- Fatigue and decreased stamina
- Irritability or depressed mood
Low Thyroid Hormones (Hypothyroidism)
- Persistent fatigue
- Weight gain despite no major diet changes
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin, thinning hair, or brittle nails
- Constipation
- Puffy face or swelling
Low Cortisol (Adrenal Insufficiency)
- Chronic fatigue
- Low blood pressure or dizziness
- Unexplained weight loss
- Craving salt
- Muscle weakness
Is Hormone Therapy Right For You?
Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?
Determining whether hormone therapy is suitable for you involves a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences. The staff at Livly Wellness will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and health goals.
Our Approach
At Livly Wellness in St. Paul, we believe in a holistic approach to hormone therapy. We combine the latest medical advancements with compassionate care to ensure you receive the best possible treatment. Our team of experts will guide you through every step of your hormone therapy journey, providing support and monitoring your progress to achieve optimal results.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance and are interested in exploring hormone therapy, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is here to help you regain your health and improve your quality of life.
Menopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):
- Women experiencing menopause often go through a decline in estrogen and, to a lesser extent, progesterone production.
- Menopausal HRT involves the administration of estrogen, sometimes with progesterone (if the woman still has a uterus), to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
- HRT can be delivered in various forms, including pills, patches, creams, gels, and vaginal rings.
“I couldn’t be more happy with my treatment at Livly Wellness. The staff is amazing and the support is even better.”
Common Symptoms Of Hormone Deficiency
- Fatigue and weakness
- Weight gain
- Cold intolerance
- Dry skin and hair
- Constipation
- Depression
- Sluggishness
- Joint and muscle pain
- Memory problems
- Menstrual irregularities (in women)
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst and hunger
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Blurred vision
- Slow wound healing
- Irregular or absent menstrual periods
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Decreased libido
Frequently Asked Questions About Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy (BHRT)
1. What is bio-identical hormone therapy (BHRT)?
BHRT uses hormones derived from plant sources that are identical in structure to the hormones naturally produced by your body (like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone). Unlike synthetic hormones, BHRT is customized to match your unique hormonal needs.
2. How is BHRT different from traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?
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BHRT: Made from natural sources, molecularly identical to human hormones, and often compounded for personalized dosing.
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Traditional HRT: Uses synthetic hormones (like Premarin or Provera), which may have higher risks of side effects.
3. What menopause symptoms can BHRT help with?
BHRT can relieve:
✓ Hot flashes & night sweats
✓ Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
✓ Insomnia & fatigue
✓ Vaginal dryness & low libido
✓ Weight gain & brain fog
4. Is BHRT safe? Does it increase cancer risk?
Research suggests that bio-identical progesterone (unlike synthetic progestins) does not increase breast cancer risk and may be safer than traditional HRT. However, your individual health history will be evaluated before treatment.
5. How long does it take for BHRT to work?
Some women feel improvements within 2–4 weeks, but full benefits (like stabilized mood and better sleep) may take 2–3 months.
6. What are the delivery methods for BHRT?
We offer:
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Creams/gels (absorbed through the skin)
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Pellets (tiny implants that release hormones gradually for 3–6 months)
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Oral capsules (often used for progesterone)
7. Will BHRT cause weight gain?
No! In fact, many women lose weight on BHRT because balanced hormones improve metabolism, energy, and stress resilience.
8. Can I use BHRT if I still have my uterus?
Yes, but progesterone must be included in your treatment to protect your uterine lining from estrogen-related risks.
9. How often will I need hormone testing?
We recommend initial testing before treatment, followed by follow-up tests every 3–6 months to adjust dosages as needed.
10. Does insurance cover BHRT?
Some labs and consultations may be covered, but compounded BHRT is often out-of-pocket. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation.
11. How long can I stay on BHRT?
Many women use BHRT for 5–10+ years, depending on their symptoms and health goals. We monitor your health annually to ensure safety.
12. Can BHRT help with perimenopause (before full menopause)?
Absolutely! BHRT is highly effective for irregular periods, PMS, and early menopause symptoms.
13. Do you offer virtual consultations?
Yes! We serve women across Minnesota via telehealth and in-person visits at our St. Paul clinic.
14. How do I get started with BHRT at LIVLY Wellness?
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Call us at (612) 662-5531 to schedule a consultation.
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Complete hormone testing (blood, saliva, or urine).
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Receive a personalized BHRT plan tailored to your needs.
Ready to Balance Your Hormones?
📍 Serving St. Paul, MN & Beyond
📞 (612) 662-5531
🌐 www.livlywellness.com
