How to Know if Hormone Therapy is Right for You

As women, we’re no strangers to hormone fluctuations. Puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and many other life events can dramatically impact a woman’s hormone levels, often producing a number of uncomfortable or even embarrassing symptoms. In some cases – like puberty – the hormones naturally rebalance themselves and these symptoms resolve on their own. When there is a more significant or long-term hormonal shift – such as in the case of menopause – women may need help to restore their hormones to the normal ranges and get relief from their unwanted symptoms. At Life Care for Women in Gilbert, AZ, board-certified OB/GYN and female wellness expert Dr. Linda I. Sodoma is proud to help women feel more like themselves again with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Use the information below to learn more about the signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance and find out if hormone replacement therapy may be right for you.

How does hormone replacement therapy work?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) involves using synthetic hormones to help restore a patient’s hormone levels to their normal physiologic ranges. At Life Care for Women, Dr. Sodoma uses bioidentical hormone pellets, which offer a convenient delivery system and plant-based hormones that are designed to identically mimic the body’s naturally occurring hormones. These unique attributes of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) allow the body to absorb and utilize the hormones more efficiently than other treatment methods.

The treatment itself involves inserting tiny pellets just beneath the surface of the skin. As the pellets dissolve, they will deliver a consistent amount of hormone to the patient, helping to provide reliable, steady relief from the symptoms of hormone imbalance or menopause. On average, patients need new BHRT pellets placed about once every month.

What are the signs that I need HRT?

In some cases, the first sign that hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate is that a patient simply does not feel quite like herself. Other times, she may be experiencing mild or even severe symptoms of menopause or a hormone imbalance, such as:

• Fatigue
• Mood swings
• Hot flashes
• Irritability
• Thinning hair
• Weight gain
• Facial hair growth
• Difficulty sleeping
• Vaginal dryness
• Decreased libido

Whether a patient presents with specific symptoms or has a general suspicion that their hormones may be off-balance, Dr. Sodoma can perform in-depth lab studies to measure the hormone levels and determine with certainty whether hormone replacement therapy may be an appropriate and effective treatment option.

How soon does HRT start working?

Following the initiation of BHRT, some patients may notice improvements in their symptoms after just a few days. On average, however, it takes about 3 – 4 weeks for hormone replacement therapy to begin providing noticeable symptom relief. Again, BHRT pellets are often reported to be easier for the body to absorb, and process, meaning BHRT patients may achieve more rapid relief compared to patients who undergo traditional hormone replacement therapy with chemical-based hormones.

Regardless of when you begin feeling the effects of BHRT, you can expect to enjoy consistent symptom relief that is long-lasting, and your dosage can be adjusted if necessary to meet any changing needs you may have.

Regain control of your life and feel like yourself once again with BHRT in Gilbert, AZ

At Life Care for Women, our award-winning team believes that women deserve to look, feel, and function their best at every stage of life. If you suspect that hormones may be playing a role in your uncomfortable or disruptive symptoms, we can help. To learn more about if you may be a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Gilbert, AZ, call to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Linda I. Sodoma today.