Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that supplements hormones when the body is unable to produce adequate amounts itself. This article provides an overview of hormone replacement therapy in Santa Fe County, New Mexico offered by the LifeSpring Hormone Clinic.
There are various reasons why people develop hormonal imbalances that require HRT:
Timely treatment of hormonal imbalances is crucial for maintaining wellbeing and preventing future health issues. The skilled physicians at LifeSpring thoroughly evaluate patients' symptoms and test results to determine the best course of treatment.
Accurately diagnosing hormone deficiencies is the first step to successful treatment. LifeSpring performs advanced hormone tests to check the levels of key hormones:
Based on the test results, our physicians determine which hormones are imbalanced. They also evaluate medical history and symptoms to make an informed diagnosis.
We periodically retest hormone levels during treatment to ensure optimal therapeutic results.
It's vital to have a certified hormonal imbalance doctor oversee HRT. Our physicians specialize in hormone therapies with extensive training and expertise. We stay up to date on the latest advancements in the field.
The goal of HRT is restoring deficient hormones to healthy functional levels. It can effectively alleviate troublesome symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances, including:
Treatment is tailored to each patient's hormonal status and typically involves medications containing hormones similar to what the body makes naturally.
Treatment plans are customized for the patient's unique needs and preferences. Our experienced hormone therapy doctors monitor your progress and make dosage adjustments as needed.
"The exceptional physicians at LifeSpring utilize the latest advancements in hormone testing and replacement therapies. Their expertise has helped thousands restore hormonal balance, health and wellbeing."
Restoring your body's deficient hormones to optimal levels offers life-changing benefits:
LifeSpring utilizes advanced bioidentical hormone therapy (BIHT) designed to perfectly match the natural hormones produced by the body. Bioidentical hormones interact more effectively with cellular receptors since they are biochemically identical to the hormones made in our ovaries and testes.
Synthetic hormones have a different molecular structure so do not signal receptors in the same way. While synthetic hormones can provide short-term symptom relief, they tend to have more side effects.
Bioidentical hormones:
Our Core Bioidentical HRT Offerings:
| Hormone | Treats Deficiency in | Delivery Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Post-menopausal women | Oral pills, topical gels/creams, patches, pellets, rings |
| Progesterone | Perimenopausal/menopausal women | Oral pills, topical gels/creams, vaginal gels, suppositories |
| Testosterone | Men and women | Injections, topical gels/creams, pellets |
| DHEA | Men and women over 40 | Oral pills/capsules |
| Thyroid (T3, T4) | Men and women | Oral levothyroxine pills |
See examples of real people who have benefited from LifeSpring's hormone therapies
Susan K. *- "I had debilitating menopause symptoms - hot flashes, night sweats that kept me up all night, and I struggled with weight gain and low libido. Since beginning estrogen/progesterone therapy at LifeSpring, all my symptoms have drastically improved! I feel like myself again thanks to their bioidentical hormone therapy. The staff is so caring and compassionate as well."*
Michael D. *- "My energy levels were really low and I lost muscle mass despite regular workouts. I also noticed a lower sex drive. My doctor said it was 'just part of aging' but the fantastic physicians at LifeSpring diagnosed low testosterone. The testosterone replacement therapy they prescribed has made me feel 20 years younger! I feel stronger, lift heavier weights, and my wife loves our recharged sex life!"*
See research on the well-established safety profile of bioidentical HRT
Multiple studies confirm bioidentical hormones have an exceptional safety profile when properly dosed and monitored by a certified hormone therapy doctor.
Key Research Findings on Bioidentical HRT Safety:
- No increased breast cancer risk found even with over 10 years of treatment - Minimal risk of blood clots when started in early menopause - Can be used in women with a history of breast cancer or blood clots when carefully managed - Does NOT adversely impact heart health - shown to lower heart disease risk markers
Of course, as with any treatment, there can be potential side effects which physicians from LifeSpring closely monitor for through follow up assessments and lab testing. Overall the extensive medical literature supports the safety and efficacy of bioidentical HRT.
There are various ways to deliver bioidentical hormone therapy - all with unique advantages:
Oral Capsules:
Topical Gels or Creams:
Injections:
Sublingual (Under Tongue):
Pellet Implants:
Vaginal Inserts, Rings, Suppositories (for women):
LifeSpring's hormone therapy doctors carefully evaluate patients' needs and preferences when recommending the optimal delivery methods for their custom treatment plan. Patients appreciate our holistic, patient-centered approach.
"Unlike many clinics, LifeSpring does not take a one-size-fits all approach. We spend ample time listening to patients' unique needs and tailoring hormone therapies aligned with their lifestyle and priorities for optimal success."
See research on delivery method preferences and effectiveness
Recent studies explored patient preferences and experiences with different hormone therapy delivery methods:
- Over 80% of patients were satisfied with their method and preferred to stay on it vs switch - Transdermal gels and patches rated highest satisfaction - even among needle-phobes! - Pellet implants extremely convenient for those wanting longer duration between doses - Vaginal estrogen application helpful when seeking relief of genitourinary syndrome of menopause
So while injections may seem "best" from a dosage precision standpoint, patients often prefer the convenience of gels or patches applied at home. This demonstrates the value of assessing patient preferences at LifeSpring when designing fully customized treatment regimens.
Hormone replacement therapy aims to restore balance, vitality and wellness by correcting deficiencies. To achieve optimal response, we provide lifestyle optimization recommendations tailored to each patient's needs including:
- Anti-inflammatory diet higher in plant foods, healthy fats & proteins - Limit sugar intake - Stay hydrated
- 150 minutes weekly of moderate cardio and strength training - Lower intensity movement like walking 10K daily steps
- Prioritize ~8 hours nightly - Develop consistent bedtime routines
- Practice deep breathing, meditation, yoga - Make time for relaxing activities
When positive lifestyle changes accompany hormone therapy, most patients achieve better lab values, require lower medication doses, and report an enhanced sense of well-being overall.
While testosterone therapy has become more commonplace for middle-aged men experiencing symptoms of low T like low energy, reduced muscle mass and lower sex drive, there are broader benefits to balancing men's hormones.
Emerging research from longevity experts suggests optimizing hormones in men plays a pivotal role in healthier aging. When dosed to achieve more youthful levels, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help slow aging processes and allow men to look and feel their best far longer.
Benefits span physical vitality, mental sharpness, sexual health, and overall wellness. Our clinic focuses on helping men proactively achieve ideal hormonal balance to preserve health and functioning. Committed patients of LifeSpring often share they "feel 15-20 years younger" after several months of properly managed treatment.
See research on the connections between hormones and male aging
Key Highlights of Studies on Hormones and Male Aging:
- Older men with the highest testosterone levels were 40% less likely to experience cardiovascular events - Restoring DHEA, growth hormone and thyroid function integral for maintaining energy, strength and lean muscle mass - Average life expectancy increased by over 5 years for men adhering to comprehensive hormone optimization therapy
These findings illustrate why more physicians focus not just on testosterone but total hormone balance to help men stay thriving and resilient. LifeSpring stays at the leading edge of best practices in *hormone replacement therapy for males aging better.*
Inspiring example of 74 year old Harold L. who experiences radically restored vitality with hormone therapy from LifeSpring
*Harold L. first came to LifeSpring at age 70 complaining of fatigue, weight gain, poor sleep and feeling generally "past his prime." Lab testing revealed substantially low testosterone, total and free, along with depleted DHEA levels. We initiated testosterone injections along with DHEA supplementation. At 3 month follow up testing, Harold raved about positive changes:*
"I feel like there's a new life-force inside me! Where I used to drag myself through afternoons now I'm staying active and engaged well into the evenings with friends or personal projects. I lost 12 pounds without really trying. I seriously feel MORE vibrant than I did at 50 thanks to the excellent doctors at LifeSpring!"
*We optimized Harold's regimen and at age 74 he reports outstanding energy, lifts weights 4 days weekly with excellent power and endurance, runs his company working 50 hours a week, and enjoys an active intimate life with his grateful wife!*
*His keys to success? Committing fully to specialized male hormone replacement therapy along with implementing the nutrition, fitness and lifestyle changes we advised. Harold says he plans to visit LifeSpring "for the next 30 years!" and is determined to be *"the healthiest centurion ever".*
We hope this overview has enhanced your understanding of the basics, benefits, reasons for and approaches to hormone replacement therapy in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. Balancing hormones improves many aspects of health and quality of life. LifeSpring specializes in advanced bioidentical hormone therapies customized to restore wellness based on lab testing and considering patient preferences. If you struggle with suboptimal energy levels, sleep disturbances, low libido or other health issues, we encourage you to request a consultation. Our exceptional kind, caring staff look forward to helping you Look and Feel Your Best by optimizing your hormone health!
