Category Archives: Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment usedto relieve symptoms of themenopause. It replaces hormones that are at a lower level as you approach themenopause.

This page covers:

Benefits of HRT

How to get started

Who can take it

Types of HRT

Stopping HRT

Risks and side effects

Alternatives

The main benefit of HRT is that it can help relieve most of the menopausal symptoms, such as:

Many of these symptoms pass in a few years, but they canbe very unpleasant and taking HRT can offer relief for many women.

Itcan also help prevent weakening of the bones (osteoporosis), which is more common after the menopause.

Speak to your GP if you're interested in starting HRT.

You can normally begin HRT as soon asyou start experiencing menopausal symptoms and won't usually need to have any tests first.

Your GP can explain thedifferent types of HRTavailable and help you choose one that's suitable for you.

You'll usually be started off on a low dose, which can be increased at a later stage. It may take a few weeks to feel the effects of treatment and there may be someside effects at first.

Your GP will normally recommend trying treatment for three months to see if it helps. If it doesn't, they may suggest changing your dose or changing the type of HRT you're taking.

Most women can have HRT if they're experiencing symptoms associated with the menopause.

ButHRT may not be suitable if you:

Inthese circumstances,alternatives to HRTmay be recommended instead.

There are many different types of HRT and finding the right one for you can be tricky.

There are different:

Your GP can give you advice to help you choose which type is best for you.You may need to try more than one type before you find one that works best.

Read more about the different types ofHRT.

There's no limit on how long you can take HRT, but talk to your GP about the duration of treatment they recommend.

Most womenstop takingitonce their menopausal symptoms pass, which is usually after a few years.

When you decide to stop, you can choose to do so suddenly or gradually.

Gradually decreasing your HRT dose is usually recommended because it's less likely to cause your symptoms to come back in the short term.

Contact your GP if you have symptoms that persist for several months after you stop HRT, or if you have particularly severe symptoms. You may need to start HRT again.

As with any medication, HRT can cause side effects. But these will usually pass within three months of starting treatment.

Common side effects include:

Some types of HRT can also cause a small increase in your risk of certain serious problems, such asblood clots and breast cancer.

The benefits of HRT are generally felt to outweigh the risks. But speak to your GP if you have any concerns about taking HRT.

Read more aboutside effects of HRTandrisks of HRT.

If you're unable totake HRT or decide not to,you may want to consider alternativeways of controlling your menopausal symptoms.

Alternatives to HRT include:

Several remedies (such as bioidenticalhormones) are claimed to help withmenopausal symptoms, but these aren't recommended because it's not clear how safe and effective they are.

Read more about alternatives to HRT.

Page last reviewed: 20/07/2016

Next review due: 20/07/2019

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) - NHS Choices

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. You should have a complete physical exam, including blood pressure measurements, breast and pelvic exams, and a Pap test at least yearly. Follow your doctor's directions for examining your breasts; report any lumps immediately.

If you are taking hormone replacement therapy to treat symptoms of menopause, your doctor will check every 3 to 6 months to see if you still need this medication. If you are taking this medication to prevent thinning of the bones (osteoporosis), you will take it for a longer period of time.

Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take hormone replacement therapy, because this medication may interfere with some laboratory tests.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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Estrogen and Progestin (Hormone Replacement Therapy): MedlinePlus Drug ...

Hormone replacement therapy of the male-to-female type (MTF HRT) is a type of hormone replacement therapy for transgender and transsexual people. It changes the balance of sex hormones in the body. Some intersex people also receive HRT, either starting in childhood to confirm the assigned sex, or later, if this assignment has proven to be incorrect.

Its purpose is to cause the development of the secondary sex characteristics of the desired sex. It cannot undo many of the changes produced by the first natural occurring puberty, which may necessitate surgery and/or epilation (see below).

The requirements for hormone replacement therapy vary immensely, often psychological counseling is required.

Under WPATH guidelines the Mental Health Provider requires individuals to satisfy two sets of criteria eligibility and readiness to undertake any stage of transition including hormone replacement therapy. Eligibility involves the patient meeting requirements from a major diagnostic tool, such as the ICD-10, DSM-IV-R or the DSM-V. ICD-10 requirements are for either Transsexualism or Gender identity disorder of childhood.[1]

The ICD-10 criteria for Transsexualism include the individual having a transsexual identity of over 2 years, a strong and persistent desire to live as a member of the opposite sex, usually accompanied by the desire to make their body as congruent as possible with the preferred sex through surgery and hormone treatments. These individuals cannot be diagnosed with Transsexualism if it is believed to be a result of another mental disorder, or a genetic, intersex or chromosomal abnormality.

The ICD-10 criteria for Gender identity disorder of childhood in males include the individual being pre-pubescent and having intense and persistent distress about being a boy. The distress must be present for at least six months. The child must either:

The DSM-IV-R criteria for Gender Identity Disorder includes four main criteria. The DSM-IV-R also requests that the individual's sexuality is noted.

In children this may be demonstrated by them meeting four or more of the following criteria:

Adolescents and Adults must display a persistent desire to be the other sex, frequent passing as the other sex, desire to live or be treated as the other sex, or the conviction that they have the typical feelings and reactions of the other sex.

In boys this may manifest as an assertion that their penis or testes are disgusting or will disappear, or asserting that it is better not to have a penis.

In adults and adolescents this manifests as a preoccupation with removing primary or secondary sex characteristics, such as a demand for surgery or hormone replacement therapy.

The DSM-V moves from Gender Identity Disorder to Gender Dysphoria to avoid the implication that gender nonconformity is in itself a mental disorder, but a similar entry remains in the DSM-V so that individuals may still seek treatment.[2] The DSM-V, unlike the DSM-IV and ICD-10, separates Gender Dysphoria from sexual paraphilias, and diagnoses on the basis of a strong desire that one has feelings and convictions typical of the other sex, or that one strongly desires to be treated as the other sex or be rid of one's sex characteristics.

The readability of patients to transition is also relevant to undertake hormone replacement therapy, which includes the patient's likelihood to take hormones in a responsible manner, have made progress in mastering other identified problems that leads to improving or continuing stable mental health, and have had further consolidation of gender identity during psychotherapy or Real Life Experience of their desired gender role.[3]

Some organizations still require a period of time living as the desired gender role, based on standards such as the Standards of Care for the Health of Transsexual, Transgender, and Gender Nonconforming People (WPATH). This period is sometimes called the Real Life Experience (RLE). The Endocrine Society in 2009 specified that individuals should either have a documented 3 months Real Life Experience or a period of psychotherapy of length specified by the mental health provider, usually a minimum of 3 months.[3]

Some people, especially individuals from the transgender community, say that RLE is psychologically harmful and is a form of "gatekeeping" effectively barring people from transitioning for as long as possible, if not permanently.[who?]

Some individuals choose to self-administer their medication ("do-it-yourself"), often because available doctors have too little experience in this matter, or no doctor is available in the first place. Sometimes, trans persons choose to self-administer because their doctor will not prescribe hormones without a letter from the patient's therapist stating that the patient meets the diagnostic criteria for GID and is making an informed decision to transition. Many therapists require at least three months of continuous psychotherapy and/or a real life test in order to write such a letter as is suggested in the HBIGDA Standards of Care. As many individuals must pay for evaluation and care out-of-pocket, expense can also be prohibitive to pursuing such therapy.

However, self-administration of certain medications (namely ethinyl estradiol) and antiandrogens (namely spironolactone, cyproterone acetate, flutamide, and nilutamide) is potentially dangerous and can cause an elevation in liver enzymes or other potentially dangerous adverse effects.[4]

For trans women, taking estrogens causes, among other changes:

For male-to-female transgender people, HRT often includes antiandrogens in addition to the estrogens and progestogens mentioned above.

HRT does not usually cause facial hair growth to be impeded or the voice to change.

The psychological changes are harder to define, because HRT is usually the first physical action that takes place when transitioning and the act itself of beginning HRT has a significant psychological effect, which is difficult to distinguish from hormonally induced changes.

However, a problem may arise with the structure of hip bones, since cisgender women generally have larger hip bones to accommodate pregnancy.

During HRT, especially in the early stages of treatment, blood work should be consistently done to assess hormone levels and liver function. It is suggested by Endocrine Society that individuals have blood tests every 3 months in the first year of hormone replacement therapy for estradiol and testosterone and monitor spironolactone, if used, every 23 months in the first year.[3]

The optimal ranges listed for estrogen only apply to individuals taking bioidentical hormones (i.e., estradiol, including esters) and do not apply to those taking synthetic or other non-bioidentical preparations (e.g., ethinyl estradiol or conjugated equine estrogens (Premarin)). While the ranges given are optimal, the Endocrine Society further state that estrogen levels of 200pg/ml ought not to be exceeded.[80]

There should also be medical monitoring, including complete blood counts, renal and liver function, lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as monitoring prolactin levels, body weight and blood pressure.[81]

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Hormone replacement therapy (male-to-female) - Wikipedia ...

1. Should I stop taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

It depends on how long youve been taking it and why. Here are some facts to help you decide:

You may be taking HRT to relieve menopause symptoms. At one time, doctors also used to prescribe HRT to manage diseases like osteoporosis and heart disease in women past menopause. But in 2002, a Womens Health Initiative study found that women who took the most common form of HRT, a combined estrogen and progesterone pill, had a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots.

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HRT and Menopause Symptoms: Research shows that a small dose of HRT is still the best way to reduce uncomfortable symptoms in early menopause. Women younger than 60 have the lowest risks, especially if they use the estrogen-only formula for a short time, applying it to their skin instead of taking by mouth.

Several years of treatment is usually enough to relieve symptoms. So if youve been on HRT for more than 5 years, talk with your doctor about tapering off.

HRT and Heart Disease: Doctors no longer prescribe hormones to manage heart disease or other chronic conditions like osteoporosis. If youre taking HRT to reduce the risk of heart disease, ask your doctor about gradually stopping it.

Before the WHI study, doctors prescribed HRT for heart problems. Some earlier studies showed that women who took hormones had lower rates of heart disease and other chronic diseases. The women may have just been healthier and had better access to medical care.

The WHI study and follow-ups confirmed that HRT didnt reduce the risk of heart disease; it increased it in healthy, postmenopausal women.

HRT and Osteoporosis: As with heart disease, you should weigh the benefits of using hormones with other risks. To reduce osteoporosis, doctors often suggest lifestyle changes such as regular weight-bearing exercise. You can also try medicine like Fosamax and Evista, or calcium and vitamin Dsupplements.

Or you may look at other choices, such as statins, which reduce cholesterol in the blood, but also treat osteoporosis and heart disease.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy - WebMD

Sue Decotiis, MD is a widely sought after Bioidenticial Hormone Replacement Therapy Doctor / Anti-Aging NYC Doctor. For over twenty-five years she has been employing her best in class medical practices to attend to and treat both men and women with her customized Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) treatments. Sue Decotiis, MD only uses Bioidentical Hormone Replacementtreatments. Hormone Replacement is an evidence-based medical specialty.

Bioidentical hormone treatment therapy is no longer a secret weapons in the anti-ageing war. The use of the treatments have gained world-world popularity and scientific recognition. Depending on which hormones are used to treat which conditions (the NYC HRT doctor personally customized each and every treatment plan), they can manage symptoms ranging fromstress & anxiety, help youregain a better sex life, and restore your sense of vitality and enthusiasm for life. Side effects from Hormone replacement therapy tend to include fresher more beautiful skin, a better physique and a lot more unsolicited compliments.

Sue Decotiis, MD offers only Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Services:

Common symptoms of Hormone Deficiency incude:

What is remarkable about Bioidentical HormoneReplacement Therapyis that they increase the sensitivity of insulin thus decreasing diabetes, increase bone mass, increase cardiovascular health and enhance lipid profiles. Bioidentical hormones do all these incredibly important things in addition to making you feel and look better, improving your whole life.

Bioidentical Hormones (BIH) Replacement Therapy as offered by Sue Decotiis, MD at her NYC medical practice are:

If you have any questions for NYC Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Doctor,please contact Sue Decotiis, MD at her NYCHormone Replacement Therapyoffice for a consultation.

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Hormone Replacement Therapy - Dr. Sue Decotiis NYC Medical ...

EHormonesMD New York helps both men and women find relief from symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as low libido, depression, hot flashes, weight gain, irritability, fatigue, and loss of muscle.

We offer patients Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone (HGH as it is more commonly known) and wellness programs. Through state-of-the-art diagnostic hormone testing, we can determine your hormone levels and your unique Bio-identical Hormone.

The positive effects of Testosterone and HGH can be seen in increased lean mass (your muscle tissue), improved bone density, decreased central body fat, regulated blood sugar levels and improved immune function.

EHormonesMD has an integrated natural solution for testosterone replacement. The skilled physicians at EHormonesMD New York offer a full-circle preventive approach to optimal health through personalized fitness programs, tailor-made nutrition plans, and Sermorelin.

It is a scientific fact that as we age our hormone production declines. Ask yourself, are you suffering from any of the following low testosterone symptoms?

At EHormonesMD New YorkHormone Replacement Therapy Doctors, we provide:

After the age of 30, the natural production of your major hormones including Growth Hormone, Testosterone, Progesterone (and Estrogen in females) begins to decline. Both males and females experience a decline in their quality of life which is directly related to natural hormonal decline. Let us help restore your naturalbalance!

Call today to schedule an appointment with our HRT Doctors: (609) 235-0925

Find our nearest office at: EHormones New Jersey, 100 Federal City Rd, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

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New York Hormone Replacement Therapy, HRT | Testosterone, HGH

The Big Apple can eat you alive if youre not at the top of your game. New York residents need not worry: HealthGains and its premium hormone therapy plans can help you get ahead personally and professionally.

Over the past decade, HealthGains has treated countless patients for low testosterone and other hormone imbalances. Now its your turn to experience the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Our prime location in NYC makes it easy to stop by and learn more about our services firsthand. Take a look at our sexual wellness performance packages for men and women.

Only an exhaustive workup will reveal if youre a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy. Our blood work is comprised of 15 different tests designed to provide an overview of your health and pinpoint any imbalances in your hormone levels. Once we see that hormones might be causing your symptoms, well schedule you some time with an HealthGains doctor to review your symptoms and get you started on HRT. Its that simple.

Please keep in mind that not everyone is a good candidate for hormone replacement. If our lab tests reveal that your hormones fall within an ideal range, we may not prescribe HRT. Contact us at 1-800-325-1325 to speak with one of our hormone specialists.

The signs of low hormone levels can often be confused with symptoms from other conditions. If youve been feeling less energetic, less focused or less interested in sex, your hormones could be to blame. The only way to find out is through comprehensive. Together, we can get your health back to where it once was. Let us help you.

HealthGains NYC Phone: (212) 257-8939 65 Broadway, Suite 1101 New York, NY 10006

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Hormone Therapy Clinic New York | HGH Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy New York, NY

You may need human growth hormone therapy. HealthGainscan help you find HGH therapy in New York and have you feeling like your former self again.

Nobody wants to get old. Unfortunately, theres no way around it until time travel is invented.

When men start reaching their mid-30s, something happens: their hormone production diminishes. Hormones such as testosterone and HGH are no longer produced at optimal levels.

This can cause men to experience some very unwanted symptoms like a low sex drive and energy loss. Welcome to male menopause.

Until your HGH levels are back at their usual levels, youre not going to feel like yourself. Through the use of advancedHGH therapy in New York , HealthGainscan balance your hormones and have you feeling as if you were in your 20s again.

HealthGains HGH therapy in New York plans consist of hormone replacement combined with diet, fitness and supplements for a comprehensive total wellness approach. Our follow-up is second to none: Your doctor will monitor your progress throughout the program to ensure that youre on track for the results you want.

Each HGH therapy plan is designed specifically for the individual. We dont believe that a single human growth hormone program works for everyone. Because you have your own set of needs, your plan should also be one-of-a-kind. Helping you reach your goals is our main priority.

If you have any questions about HGH replacement,call us now at (866) 540-3555 to talk to one of our specialists.They can help address any issues or concerns you may have about human growth hormone therapy. Well even throw in a free hormone replacement guide. Get ready for life-changing results!

HealthGains Empire Medical Care 928 Broadway Suite 301 New York City, NY 10010 Phone: (212) 897-3742

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HGH Therapy New York | Hormone Replacement Therapy NY

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) usually refers to the replacement of sex hormones in menopausal women. Women use HRT to help control the symptoms of menopause. Menopause is the stage in a womans life when sex hormone levels fall and her menstrual period stops.

Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, vaginal dryness, mood swings, anxiety, decreased sexual desire, fatigue, and headaches. Menopause can also cause thinning bones (osteoporosis).

The two main sex hormones that a womans body makes are estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is primarily produced by the ovaries and, in pregnant women, the placenta. The ovaries also produce estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for the female sexual characteristics. It is also important for many body processes, such as maintaining a healthy heart and bones.

A woman who has had her uterus removed by hysterectomy may receive estrogen alone for HRT. A woman who still has her uterus must receive progesterone in addition to estrogen for HRT. Progesterone signals the uterus to shed its lining similar to a menstrual period. This decreases the risk of uterine cancer.

HRT is only one method of controlling the symptoms of menopause. HRT involves some health risks. You may have other treatment options that involve less risk. Discuss all the treatment options with your doctor or healthcare provider to understand which options are right for you.

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