Signs & Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance in Women:

Irregular periods & breast tenderness: Changes in menstrual cycles, heavy or light bleeding, and swollen/tender breasts due to imbalances in estrogen and progesterone.
Mood swings, fatigue & sleep disturbances: Hormonal fluctuations (especially estrogen and progesterone) can cause irritability, anxiety, fatigue, and trouble sleeping.
Weight changes & low libido: Thyroid imbalances, or changes in estrogen and testosterone, can lead to weight gain and reduced sexual desire.
Acne, hair thinning, & skin changes: High androgens or estrogen-progesterone imbalances can lead to acne, oily skin, and hair loss.
Hot flashes & night sweats: Typically due to low estrogen levels, common during perimenopause and menopause.
Headaches & brain fog: Fluctuating estrogen levels can trigger migraines and cognitive issues like memory problems or brain fog.
Bloating, digestive issues & dry skin: Hormones like estrogen and progesterone affect digestion and skin hydration, leading to bloating, constipation, and dryness.
Vaginal dryness: Caused by low estrogen levels, leading to discomfort during sex and urinary issues.

Treatment Types:

Injections:
- Administered every 1-2 weeks.
- Provide effective estrogen or progesterone supplementation.
- May cause discomfort at the injection site.
- Can lead to fluctuations in hormone levels, affecting symptom consistency.
Creams:
- Applied daily to the skin.
- Non-invasive and easy to use.
- Require careful handling to avoid transferring hormones to others.
- May be less effective for some individuals, and absorption rates can vary.
Pellets:
- Small pellets inserted under the skin.
- Provide a steady, long-lasting release of hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone) for 3-6 months.
- Require minimal maintenance once inserted.
- Involve a minor surgical procedure and can cause irritation at the insertion site.

Non-Pellet Hormone Therapy:

Pellet Hormone Therapy:

Initial Consultation: Meet with the provider.
Blood Work: Required to evaluate the need for and safety of hormone therapy.
Follow-up Consultation: A second video consultation to discuss blood work results and create a treatment plan.
Eligibility for Pellet Therapy: The provider will determine if the patient is cleared for pellet hormone therapy.
Scheduling Pellet Insertion: Once cleared, an in-office visit will be scheduled for the pellet insertion.
Post-Insertion Blood Work: Blood work will be needed 5 weeks after pellet insertion.
Additional pellets may be inserted to reach optimal hormone levels.
Effectiveness Duration: Pellet therapy typically lasts between 3-6 months, depending on factors such as metabolism, smoking status, activity level, and hormone sensitivity.

The duration of HRT depends on your individual needs and health conditions. Some women use HRT for several years, while others may use it for a shorter time. Your provider will periodically assess whether you should continue treatment.
HRT may help stabilize hormone levels that influence metabolism and weight. However, it is not a weight loss treatment and should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan.
The cost of HRT varies depending on the type of therapy (non-pellet vs. pellet), dosage, and the provider.
HRT is generally safe for most women, but it's not recommended for those with certain health conditions like breast cancer, blood clot disorders, or liver disease. Your provider will assess your medical history to ensure HRT is safe for you.
HRT can help relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. It can also support bone health, improve sleep, and enhance energy levels.