What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is medication that contains female hormones. You take the medication to replace the estrogen that your body stops making during menopause. Hormone therapy is most often used to treat common menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes and vaginal discomfort. Hormone therapy has also been proved to prevent bone loss and reduce fracture in postmenopausal women.

During menopause, your estrogen levels fall. Some women get uncomfortable symptoms known as vasomotor symptoms like hot flashes, or they can get other symptoms such as vaginal dryness. HRT (also known as hormone therapy, menopausal hormone therapy, and estrogen replacement therapy) is the most effective treatment for menopause symptoms.

Estrogen/Progesterone/Progestin Hormone Therapy

This is often called combination therapy, since it combines doses of estrogen and progestin, the synthetic form of progesterone. It’s meant for women who still have their uterus. Taking estrogen with progesterone lowers your risk for cancer of the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, compared with taking estrogen alone. While generally used as a form of birth control, progesterone can help treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Oral progestins. Taken in pill form, progestin medications include medroxyprogesterone acetate (Provera) and the synthetic progestin pills (norethindrone, norgestrel). Many experts now treat the majority of their menopausal patients with natural progesterone rather than synthetic progestins. Research suggests that natural progesterone may not have a negative effect on lipids and is a good choice for women with high cholesterol levels. In addition, natural progesterone might have other advantages when compared with medroxyprogesterone acetate.

What Are the Possible Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy? 

• Relieve hot flashes and night sweats (vasomotor symptoms)
• Help you sleep better
• Ease vaginal dryness and itching
• Make sex less painful
• Help prevent fractures caused by osteoporosis (thinning bones)
• Make some women less likely to have heart disease
• Lower your chances of dementia

What Are the Risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

• Research has shown that the benefits can be greater than the risks for many women. But HRT may still raise your chances of:
• Endometrial cancer, if you take estrogen without progestin and you still have your uterus
• Blood clots
• Stroke
• Breast cancer

You may be less likely to have problems if you:

• Start HRT within 10 years of menopause or before age 60
• Take the lowest dose that works for you for the shortest possible time
• Take progesterone or progestin if you still have your uterus
• Ask about other forms of HRT besides pills, like patches, gels, mists, vaginal creams, vaginal suppositories, or vaginal rings
• Get regular mammograms and pelvic exams

Who Shouldn’t Take Hormone Replacement Therapy? If you have these conditions, you may want to avoid HRT:

• Blood clots
• Cancer (such as breast, uterine, or ovarian)
• Heart, liver, or gallbladder disease
• Heart attack
• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Stroke
• Unexplained vaginal bleeding
• Smoking

Call your provider if you have any of these:

• Bloating
• Breast swelling or tenderness
• Headaches
• Mood changes
• Nausea
• Vaginal bleeding

How can Reno Premier Medicine help?

We offer both in clinic or HIPPA Compliant video Tele-Health consultations to accommodate your individual needs. During the consultation we will discuss your symptoms, concerns and treatment goals. After the consultation:

• We obtain a comprehensive blood sample analysis to allow us to fully understand your unique health situation. It allows us to accurately diagnosis and plan an individualized treatment plan centered around your goals.
• If your blood work shows signs of low hormone levels we can schedule periodic hormone replacement treatment based on your needs, goals and schedule.
• Ongoing follow up consultation with our long-term, locally based medical provider who is always available to you.
• Every 6 months we will repeat your blood work to track the treatment progress and maintain the optimum treatment solution.

What is the solution to hormone imbalance?

Periodic hormone replacement, typically by weekly injections in our clinic, to increase the level of testosterone circulating in your body.  We also offer once daily dosing with a gel if that is more convient for you.

What is the difference between TRT, HRT and THRT?

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Testosterone Hormone Replacement Therapy (THRT) are all similar in that they are working to replace the hormones you once had.

Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) stimulate the body’s natural production of testosterone?

No. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) replaces the hormones that your body is unable to produce it once did.

How much does it cost to get started?

There is no cost for the initial consultation to see if you are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. The consultation can be done in person at the clinic or via HIPPA secure video tele-health if it is more convenient for you.  

Can I pay with my HSA/FSA account?

Yes!  Hormone Replacement Therapy is a medical expense and can be paid for with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or your Health Spending Account (HSA) through your employer.

What if I am already receiving treatment somewhere else?

We would be more than honored to take over your treatment. We will make sure you are getting everything you need for successful treatment.

What if I have other medical needs?

Our medical provider is Board Certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and would happy to discuss other medical concerns you have.

Is your practice locally owned and managed?

YES! The practice is owned by a local Family Nurse Practitioner who custom tailors your treatment to meet your needs and goals.

How does hormone replacement therapy differ in men compared to women?

Hormone replacement therapy can be used for both men and women, but the goals and treatment methods differ between the sexes. For men, HRT often addresses the symptoms of low testosterone, which can include fatigue, decreased libido, and muscle loss. Testosterone replacement therapy can lead to improved energy levels, mood, and sexual function. 

In women, Reno Premier Medicine uses hormone replacement therapy to treat the symptoms of menopause. Estrogen and progesterone can be administered together or separately and may be taken orally, applied topically, or inserted vaginally. 

While the goals of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) differ between men and women, the underlying principle remains similar: To replenish the body's declining levels of hormones and improve the overall quality of life.

Learn more about hormone replacement therapy by calling Reno Premier Medicine to schedule an appointment. You can also reserve a time slot through the online booking portal.