Though aging can be a beautiful process, the hormone changes that come with it affect our overall well-being in so many ways. Whether menopause has given you hot flashes or a testosterone decline has impacted your energy levels, you need effective, long-lasting treatment solutions.
Fortunately, Dr. Lee and the team of experts at Lee Plastic Surgery have dedicated their careers to helping patients create the healthiest version of themselves. Our options give you the support you need to overcome age-related hormone changes and take on each day with confidence.
Continue reading to learn about the science behind hormone imbalances and how hormone replacement therapy near Palm City can help. If you feel ready to speak with a professional, visit our website or call us to begin your treatment process.
What are hormones?
Hormones, or chemical substances produced naturally by the body, carry messages to the organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals coordinate a variety of bodily functions, including:
- Metabolism
- Growth
- Sexual function
- Reproduction
- Sleep
- Mood
The endocrine system controls the creation and release of these hormones from organs like the pituitary gland, thyroid and pancreas.
Age-Related Hormone Changes
If you feel “off” but cannot put a finger on why, an age-related hormone imbalance may be to blame.
As we get older, endocrine function declines and hormone receptors become less sensitive. These changes set off a chain reaction, decreasing essential hormone levels and throwing off various internal processes.
Both women and men experience hormonal decline as they age, referred to as menopause (in women) and andropause (in men).
Menopause
Menopause is the moment in a woman’s life where she has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. This occurs when the ovaries slow or stop production of the reproductive hormones estrogen and progesterone. On average, menopause happens around age 52.
Menopause has 3 stages:
- Perimenopause – The transition to menopause. Begins 8 to 10 years before menopause when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen.
- Menopause – The defined moment when a woman no longer has menstrual periods. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and produce very little estrogen.
- Postmenopause – The time after menopause. Women stay in postmenopause for the rest of their lives.
With menopause comes a variety of symptoms that make navigating through daily life more difficult than before. You may be transitioning into menopause if you experience symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes – A sudden, uncomfortable warmth that spreads over the body.
- Irregular periods – Can be heavier or lighter than previous menstrual cycles.
- Vaginal dryness – Makes intercourse painful and less enjoyable.
- Urinary incontinence – A loss of bladder control or a need to urinate more frequently.
- Brain fog – The inability to focus on regular tasks.
- Night sweats – Waking up overheated or sweating through your clothing overnight.
These symptoms typically begin during perimenopause and ease up during postmenopause.
Andropause
Andropause refers to the gradual decrease in testosterone production that a man experiences as he grows older. Most men’s testosterone levels fall about 1% every year after age 40.
Many providers struggle to identify decreasing testosterone levels, because not all men experience side effects. Those who do may develop the following symptoms:
- Increased body fat
- Reduced muscle mass
- Decreased bone density
- Reduced sex drive
- Low energy
- Erectile dysfunction
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy near Palm City helps patients rebalance hormone levels and treat the symptoms associated with menopause and andropause.
At Lee Plastic Surgery, hormone replacement therapy takes many forms, including:
- Injections
- Pills
- Creams
- Patches
- Pellets
We recommend hormone replacement therapy to patients who want to optimize their hormone levels and alleviate symptoms like brain fog, low libido and hot flashes. Your provider can help you determine if hormone therapy suits your health needs during your initial consultation.
Who is not a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy?
Our experts do not recommend hormone replacement therapy to patients with a history of cancer, specifically prostate, breast and ovarian cancer. We also recommend avoiding this treatment if you have a high risk for developing blood clots or having a heart attack.
We cannot prescribe hormone replacement therapy to patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. We suggest consulting your provider on alternative treatments if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding.
Hormone Replacement Therapy at Lee Plastic Surgery
Though hormone imbalances and the symptoms that come with may feel all-consuming, hormone replacement therapy can help you reverse the hormonal effects of time.
Here is what you can expect when you choose our experts for hormone replacement therapy near Palm City.
Comprehensive Consultation
To start your journey to rebalancing your hormones, you schedule a consultation with Dr. Lee. At this appointment, Dr. Lee asks you to describe your health concerns and how you would like to feel after treatment. He also asks about your medical history and medications you are taking to rule out other possible health issues.
We recommend voicing any concerns you may have during this consultation, so we can work with you to confirm you make the right choices for your health. Dr. Lee will be happy to answer any and all of your questions, ensuring your treatment process runs as smoothly as possible.
Preparing for Treatment
Before beginning hormone replacement therapy near Palm City, you also complete a blood work test to assess your baseline hormone levels.
Our experts also recommend implementing small, healthy habits into your day-to-day routine to prepare your body for treatment. These habits could include:
- Finding a form of low-impact exercise.
- Avoiding extra eating when you feel bored.
- Parking in the back of the parking lot for extra steps.
- Getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night.
- Looking for new healthy snacks and recipes.
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator.
We suggest consulting Dr. Lee or one of our providers if you want recommendations for additional healthy lifestyle tips.
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
After your blood work results come in, you visit our office for your first hormone therapy appointment. If everything comes back clear and Dr. Lee decides that hormone replacement therapy near Palm City is your best course of action, you work together to create your personalized treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and needs. At this time, Dr. Lee determines which specific hormones can minimize your symptoms.
Depending on your chosen treatment method, Dr. Lee will either administer your hormone replacement therapy in our office or send you home with instructions on how to administer it yourself. He and our other experts can answer any questions you may have during your treatment process.
Check-In Appointments
After 3 months on hormone replacement therapy near Palm City, you schedule a check-in appointment. At this meeting, Dr. Lee may adjust your dose depending on your progress, and he monitors you for the following side effects:
- Irregular vaginal bleeding
- Mood swings
- Bloating
- Breast tenderness
- Headaches
- Skin discoloration
If Dr. Lee does not find any cause for concern and determines that hormone replacement therapy is effectively addressing your symptoms, he clears you to continue your treatment plan. From there, you schedule additional follow-up appointments every 4 months so we can continue monitoring your progress.
Results
Hormone replacement therapy timelines vary from patient to patient. Most people see noticeable changes after a few weeks of treatment, but can take up to 3 months to feel the full effects. We recommend reaching out to your provider to adjust your dose or explore alternative treatment options if you do not see any symptom reduction by 4 to 6 months.
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some more details to inform your treatment decision on hormone replacement therapy.
How long will I have to be on hormone replacement therapy?
The length of your hormone replacement therapy treatment plan depends entirely on your unique health and wellness needs. On average, most patients stay on hormone replacement therapy for 5 years or less.
Dr. Lee will monitor your progress and regularly evaluate your plan throughout the duration of your treatment.
Will I gain weight while on hormone replacement therapy?
Though little evidence supports any claim that hormone replacement therapy causes weight fluctuations, you may gain some weight as you continue to age. However, these gains tie to other factors of aging, and hormone replacement therapy alone does not cause them.
For this reason, we recommend patients eat healthy, exercise and follow good lifestyle habits while on hormone replacement therapy to maintain their overall well-being.
Get Back to Feeling Your Best
At Lee Plastic Surgery, we believe all of our patients deserve to feel like the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves—day in and day out. If the symptoms of menopause or andropause have taken over your life, hormone replacement therapy near Palm Beach offers your key to aging well.
Visit our website or give our team a call to learn how hormone replacement therapy can help you.
If you want to learn more about testosterone replacement therapy, our blog shares all the details you need to make an informed treatment decision.
