Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), also known as hormone therapy (HT), is the administration of hormones to treat a deficiency or imbalance in the body. As we age, both men and women experience a natural decline in hormone production which can lead to unpleasant symptoms. HRT can help alleviate symptoms and promote better health and quality of life.
At the Vitality Balance Clinic in Richmond, we offer customized HRT programs to help patients achieve hormonal balance again. We believe timely treatment of hormone deficiencies provides significant benefits for both men and women. Below we will explore common reasons for hormone imbalance, signs of deficiency, key benefits of HRT, and how our clinic can help patients in the Richmond area regain optimal hormone levels through expert care.
There are several reasons why hormone production slows down and deficiencies occur over time:
As women approach perimenopause in their 40s and 50s, the ovaries gradually produce less of the key female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Declining estrogen is the main driver of menopause when periods stop completely. Many women experience symptoms years before menopause as hormone output fluctuates.
Men also see testosterone levels decline with age, typically about 1% per year after age 30. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.
Chronic health problems like diabetes, thyroid disorders, pituitary gland issues, and adrenal fatigue can disrupt hormone production. Stress also takes a major toll. Environmental toxins, poor diet, lack of sleep, and other lifestyle factors also play a role.
Certain prescription drugs and medical treatments influence hormones too. Cancer medications, steroids, and therapies that affect reproductive organs can all trigger hormone issues.
Patients may experience a variety of unpleasant signs and symptoms indicating hormone deficiencies:
Keep in mind many factors influence our wellbeing so not all symptoms above may be tied to hormones. But if you’re struggling with multiple issues it is worth getting tested. Our practitioners can help analyze symptoms and order lab testing to check ovarian and testosterone reserves as well as other key hormone levels.
Restoring hormonal balance can dramatically improve quality of life while also optimizing health. Patients report major benefits across physical, mental, and emotional realms. HRT helps counteract many natural aging processes safely and effectively when done correctly under a practitioner's care.
In women specifically, balancing estrogen levels helps minimize unpleasant menopause symptoms so this key transition need not involve suffering and decline. Customized HRT programs restore hormone levels to what is normal for a woman’s age. This makes the body feel years younger.
Many patients are surprised at how much more vital and engaged they feel, empowering them to fully participate in work, family activities, travel and passions instead of slowing down. HRT programs also help lower risks for certain diseases like osteoporosis and heart disease when started early on during menopause. Our practitioners stay up to date on all the latest research to design safe, effective treatments.
Recent research has shown hormone therapy started early in menopause may provide cognitive benefits for some women. A 2021 study found women who began estrogen-only therapy within 6 years of menopause had better verbal memory and thinking skills later in life compared to those who never took hormones.
Here at Vitality Balance Clinic, we have worked with thousands of women and men to overcome hormone deficiencies using cutting edge therapies customized to the patient’s needs.
Our clinic focuses on hormone balance through:
We partner with each patient to understand lifestyle, health history, symptoms and goals in order to design programs that work best for YOUR body. This is precision medicine tailored just for you.
Our exceptional practitioners include:
Together we will help uncover the root causes of your hormone issues and map out a treatment plan to restore balance from multiple angles. This means looking at:
In addition to HRT, we also offer comprehensive care for thyroid disorders, adrenal fatigue, and other complex conditions that intersect with hormone health.
There are several types of hormone therapy we may recommend depending on your needs:
These plant-derived formulas molecularly match a woman’s estrogen. Options include:
Key for balancing the impacts of estrogen. Given as a:
Helps men regain more youthful vitality via gels, injections, pellets or patches. We ensure proper precautions are taken for prostate health when increasing testosterone.
DHEA levels decline significantly with age. Many patients see improvements by restoring this prohormone.
Many women struggle with undiagnosed thyroid problems that hinder hormonal balance. We test and address this critical issue.
For more precise dosing, our on-site pharmacy can custom formulate creams, gels and capsules tailored to your body and needs.
We look at the whole picture for patients, not just lab numbers. Our goal is for you to feel your best so we listen closely and optimize treatment based on YOUR reported symptoms and wellbeing together. Follow up lab tests also help us continually adjust dosages so you maintain ideal levels long-term without needing to “ride the hormonal rollercoaster”. We find solutions even in complex cases.
While hormone therapy provides enormous benefits, we also educate patients on additional ways to support the body for ideal success:
To help lower cortisol:
Reducing stress supports hormone health big time! Our team can suggest stress-busting changes to build personal resilience.
We coach HRT patients on additional wellness strategies like:
We are proud to collaborate with other top Richmond practitioners and services to give our hormone therapy patients seamless care.
For routine bloodwork, saliva tests and blood panels, visit:
Both offer early morning fasting appointments if needed.
To help patients de-stress while supporting healthy hormones, consider booking services with:
For specialized dietary guidance, we recommend:
Explore Richmond's many wonderful parks, trails, recreation centers and fitness studios to stay active. We especially recommend:
Studies show consistent cardio and strength training supports hormone health and alleviates deficiency symptoms. It’s a key part of wellness plans.
We are thrilled to work together with you on your path towards revitalized wellbeing and healthier hormones! Contact Vitality Balance Clinic today to schedule a consultation.
