Hormone therapy involves administering hormones to supplement or replace those that the body cannot produce in adequate amounts. It can provide relief for those suffering from unpleasant symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances or deficiencies. Hormone therapy aims to restore optimum hormone levels, leading to an improvement in quality of life.
There are two main types of hormone therapy:
This involves hormones that are molecularly identical to those produced naturally in the body. Bioidentical hormones can be custom-compounded in a pharmacy according to a doctor's prescription. They are designed to mimic the body's natural hormones.
Synthetic hormones have a different molecular structure but act similar to natural hormones in the body. Well-known examples include birth control pills and menopausal hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy can produce excellent results when hormones are prescribed and monitored appropriately by a qualified healthcare professional. However, inappropriate use does carry potential health risks.
Below we explore common reasons for hormone therapy, types of treatment, and the role of the Harmony Hormone Center in Ottawa.
There are several reasons why doctors may prescribe hormone replacement or modulation therapy. The most common include:
Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. With menopause comes a rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone levels that commonly causes:
Estrogen and/or progesterone therapy can provide welcome relief for menopausal symptoms.
The male equivalent of menopause is termed andropause or late-onset hypogonadism. Gradual testosterone decline causes:
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) effectively treats low testosterone levels in men.
An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause concerning changes like unexplained weight gain or loss, irregular periods, fatigue, feeling cold, dry skin, and hair loss.
Thyroid hormone replacement helps restore thyroid function.
The above demonstrate why timely hormonal testing and treatment is so important.
There are many potential benefits to be gained from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), including:
For those plagued by disruptive signs of hormonal imbalance – like hot flashes, night sweats, low libido, or chronic fatigue – HRT offers the possibility of real symptom relief when correctly implemented.
HRT may decrease vulnerability to conditions like osteoporosis and heart disease when hormones are optimized in a timely manner.
By improving energy, emotional stability, cognitive function, sleep quality, and self-confidence, HRT can greatly enhance one's daily experience and quality of life.
Optimal hormone levels are associated with sustaining a youthful appearance and vitality as we age. HRT may slow changes we associate with aging.
Relationships – intimate or otherwise – can suffer when one lacks energy, struggles with weight gain, or grapples with emotional instability. HRT helps restore a zest for life and healthy self-image.
The list above summarizes why HRT markedly improves quality of life when correctly managed by a qualified healthcare provider.
While HRT clearly has the potential to enhance wellbeing, it does carry some health risks like any medical therapy. That’s why working with a specialist provider is so important.
There is an increased chance of blood clots in veins with oral estrogen. Using the lowest effective dose, or exploring transdermal rather than oral estrogen, reduces this risk.
There is a small elevated risk of breast cancer associated with combination HRT use beyond 5 years. This is why ongoing monitoring is vital.
Research is unclear, but there may be a minor increased stroke risk in some women using oral estrogen-progestin therapy. However, this risk seems almost negligible in healthier women within 10 years of menopause starting therapy.
Estrogen use can raise the risk of gallbladder problems requiring surgery. Using transdermal rather than oral estrogen circumvents this risk.
When determining if HRT is appropriate for an individual, the benefits must be weighed against potential health risks. This evaluation is best conducted by a doctor specializing in hormone therapy approaches.
Hormone therapy can help transgender individuals align their physical characteristics with their gender identity. Studies show that after transitioning with hormone therapy, transgender individuals experience reduced anxiety, depression and distress, allowing them to live more authentically. The mental health benefits can be profound.
There are a few main ways that hormones can be replaced to treat imbalances:
This involves swallowing hormones like pills or tablets. Oral progesterone and estrogen HRT tend to be popular options due to convenience. However, digestive metabolism can alter dosing effects.
Transdermal HRT includes creams, gels, sprays, patches, pellets, or vaginal rings. These methods allow absorption directly through the skin or mucosal tissues while bypassing digestion. Steady hormone release can optimize blood levels.
Receiving estrogen, testosterone, or progesterone therapy via injection – whether subcutaneous or intramuscular – provides another option for effective HRT. Injected hormones get fully absorbed without altering digestion.
As mentioned, bioidentical hormones – like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone – are molecularly identical to our natural hormones. Synthetic versions, while acting similar in the body, tend to have different molecular structures.
Harmony Hormone Center specializes in custom-compounded bioidentical HRT to match a patient's needs based on symptoms and bloodwork.
Finding an experienced, specialized provider for HRT services is vital to successful treatment. Harmony Hormone Center offers an optimal clinic right here in Ottawa focused exclusively on evidence-based hormone replacement therapies.
Our medical advisors have over 20 years' experience supporting patients with customized bioidentical HRT. We stay current on the latest research and best practices.
We take time to uncover your unique hormonal picture and needs via lab testing before making thoughtful recommendations. HRT protocols are tailored to your body and lifestyle using a natural approach.
HRT requires consistent clinical oversight given the delicate balance of hormones in the body. We closely track progress and provide ongoing support to reach health goals while avoiding risks.
Lifestyle, mental wellbeing, nutrition, and physical activity all influence hormonal health. We help patients implement holistic self-care alongside HRT for enhanced results.
Harmony Hormone Center provides attentive, individualized care for those seeking expert hormone replacement therapy in the Ottawa region. We invite you to book a consultation to explore your options in confidence.
Investigating hormonal status involves gathering a detailed history of your symptoms alongside targeted bloodwork and sometimes salivary testing. Common lab assessments may include:
- TSH - Free T4 - Free T3 - Thyroid antibodies
- FSH - Estradiol - Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH) - Progesterone
- Total and free testosterone - Estradiol - SHBG - Luteinizing Hormone
- DHEA-S - Cortisol - ACTH
- IGF-1, Prolactin, etc.
Understanding your hormone levels and patterns allows us to identify imbalances contributing to undesirable symptoms. This informs precise, personalized treatment plans. We take the guesswork out of effective HRT.
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) offers hope for men struggling with declining testosterone. Consider TRT if experiencing:
Benefits of TRT when properly managed can include:
TRT aims to restore healthy testosterone levels via gels, pellets, patches, or injections. This alleviates unpleasant low testosterone symptoms. We determine the optimal form of testosterone therapy based on each patient's needs and preferences.
Monitoring progress via follow-up bloodwork and symptom reviews allows us to refine therapeutic doses to avoid unwanted side effects. Therapy aims to balance symptom relief with cardiovascular and prostate health.
Lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene need to be addressed alongside TRT for full benefit. Our advisors provide comprehensive support.
Harmony Hormone Center offers a collaborative approach to TRT for men wanting to regain their vitality on their terms with careful oversight.
If considering hormone replacement therapy, the general process unfolds as follows under our care:
We begin by conducting an extensive review of your health history, symptoms, and goals while determining what initial bloodwork is required. Physical exam components are also completed as needed.
Based on your clinical presentation, we recommend specific hormonal blood panels, and potentially salivary testing, to uncover the scope of imbalances contributing to undesirable symptoms.
Once we receive your comprehensive lab results, our clinical team analyzes your hormone profile looking for deficits, excesses, and patterns. We summarize findings and design an individualized treatment plan.
Should you wish to proceed, we walk you through options for initiating hormone replacement therapy via tablets, transdermal creams, pellet implants, injections, or other routes. Protocols aim to start low and titrate slowly as needed based on follow-up labs and symptom responses.
HRT requires consistent oversight to avoid under or overtreatment. We schedule follow-up bloodwork and symptom reviews at regular short-term intervals. The plan evolves based on your response with a focus on supporting your long-term health and wellbeing.
While each stage requires your consent and participation, we oversee the full process from testing to ongoing management. Harmony Hormone Center values continuity of care.
Alongside expert hormone replacement therapy, being immersed in a supportive environment better enables healing and rejuvenation. Ottawa offers many conducive amenities and leisure pursuits alongside Harmony Hormone Center' services including:
Ottawa enjoys four stunning seasons with a majority of sunny summer days prime for outdoor enjoyment. The winter invites cozying inwards under blankets of fresh snow. Spring welcomes renewal with budding greenery while fall flourishes with vibrant warm hues.
Ottawa contains over 230 parks and woodlands offering peaceful walking and hiking trails among verdant forests and meadows, alongside tranquil rivers and wetlands. Nearby Gatineau Park provides 150km of trails to immerse in nature's restorative medicine.
The Ottawa region supports healthy eating with plentiful organic grocers, farmers' markets, CSAs, and restaurants catering to specialized diets like gluten-free, vegetarian/vegan, autoimmune paleo, and more. Fueling well enhances HRT.
Our community contains multiple holistic shops and clinics providing complementary services like acupuncture, naturopathy, massage, counselling, yoga and meditation classes. We refer patients to those aligning with their broader wellness goals.
Beyond tranquility in nature, Ottawa also offers gyms, pools, cycling paths, dance studios, golf courses, tennis courts alongside indoor climbing walls, escape rooms and trampoline parks should you crave lively action!
The Ottawa area nurtures HRT success via abundant natural spaces, healthy food access alongside both peaceful and playful recreational pursuits. Our comprehensive support empowers your journey towards hormonal health and balance.
Those with measurable hormone deficiencies causing disruptive symptoms that haven’t resolved with lifestyle measures may benefit from HRT under a doctor’s candidates have pursued nutrition, exercise, stress management and adequate sleep with moderate improvement. Testing determines therapeutic needs.
Initial consultation- Diagnostic labs- Review findings- Design personalized treatment plan- Initiate HRT starting low- Follow-up bloodwork & symptom reviews- Make adjustments as needed- Provide ongoing oversight and supportThe process is tailored to your unique hormonal picture and needs.
Slightly increased clotting and stroke risks with oral estrogen- Low chance of breast cancer past 3-5 years with combination HRT- Some increased gallbladder surgery risk with oral estrogenRisks are low starting HRT in your 40s-50s. We minimize risks by using the lowest effective HRT doses and avoiding prolonged unopposed estrogen exposure when possible.
Some find quick relief from acute symptoms like hot flashes within weeks. Reversing longstanding nutritional deficiencies supporting thyroid and adrenal health may take months. Stamina and strength improvements peak around 6 months on optimized testosterone therapy.
Used appropriately under medical guidance, HRT can safely be used for many years or potentially lifelong if needed without increased health risks according to recent research. Using bioidentical over synthetic hormones facilitates longer use. We monitor you closely guiding reach out with any additional questions! Harmony Hormone Center provides individualized care.
