Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is all about helping women feel their best when their hormones start to fluctuate, especially during menopause. As we age, our bodies naturally produce less estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a host of unwelcome symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and a drop in libido.
HRT is one treatment option that can help balance everything out. The main goal of HRT is to ease your symptoms, making daily life more comfortable and restoring your energy and vitality. At the Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas, we’re here to help you navigate these changes with personalized HRT plans designed to meet your unique needs and help you feel your best at every stage of life.
A “normal” balance of hormonal levels provides an average level of improvement. Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas strives not for average but optimal. Our board-certified surgeon and medical director, Dr. Wesley Anne Brady, works with women to identify the right mix of hormones for their needs and track results to help them achieve the best possible outcomes. As the only female cosmetic gynecologist in Dallas, she’ll ensure you receive the highest standard of care. The goal is for you to have a better sex life and improve your overall wellness.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy and How Does It Work?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment designed to restore hormone levels in the body to a balanced state. This therapy involves supplementing the body with hormones, typically estrogen and progesterone, using bio-identical pellets. We place these pellets just beneath the skin, typically in the hip or buttock area.
HRT works by replenishing the hormones your body is lacking. The bio-identical pellets gradually release hormones over time, ensuring consistent levels without the need for daily administration. Though they are man-made, these hormones are structurally identical to the ones produced by your body.
About Estrogen and Progesterone
Estrogen is important for numerous bodily functions, such as maintaining bone density, regulating the menstrual cycle, and supporting cardiovascular health. Progesterone helps regulate the menstrual cycle and maintain the early stages of pregnancy. We carefully dose your HRT to mimic your body’s natural hormone production, ensuring a more natural and effective treatment.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers numerous benefits for women experiencing hormonal imbalances. By restoring balance, HRT can significantly improve various aspects of your health and well-being. Here are some key benefits:
- Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms: HRT is highly effective in reducing common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. This can lead to a more comfortable and manageable daily life.
- Improved Bone Health: Estrogen helps us maintain bone density. HRT can help prevent bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in postmenopausal women.
- Enhanced Mood and Mental Clarity: Balancing hormone levels can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety and depression, and better mental clarity. This helps maintain emotional stability and cognitive function.
- Increased Energy Levels: Many women report feeling more energetic and less fatigued with HRT. This boost in energy can improve overall productivity and enhance the quality of life.
- Better Sleep Quality: HRT can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to more restful and restorative sleep. This contributes to overall well-being and daytime alertness.
- Improved Sexual Health: By addressing hormonal imbalances, HRT can enhance libido, reduce vaginal dryness, and alleviate discomfort during intercourse, leading to a more satisfying sex life.
- Cardiovascular Health: Some studies suggest that HRT can positively impact your heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
What Can I Expect During My HRT Treatment?
Starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at the Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas is a personalized and thorough process. Here’s what you can expect:
- Initial Consultation: Your HRT journey starts with a consultation with Dr. Wesley Anne Brady to discuss your medical history, symptoms, and treatment goals. This may include a physical exam and blood tests to assess your hormone levels.
- Customized Treatment Plan: Based on your results, Dr. Brady will create a personalized HRT plan, specifying the type and dosage of hormones tailored to your needs.
- Hormone Administration: You will begin your treatment with bio-identical pellets. We place these pellets just beneath your skin in a quick, in-office procedure. The pellets gradually release hormones over time, ensuring consistent hormone levels without the need for daily administration.
- Monitoring and Adjustments: Regular follow-up appointments will help monitor your progress. Dr. Brady may adjust your dosage based on your symptoms and hormone levels to ensure optimal treatment.
When Will I Notice a Difference?
Some women will notice a difference in how they feel within four weeks, while others will start to notice a change in just one week.
Change may start subtly: you may wake up with renewed energy, notice an attractive, shirtless jogger you wouldn’t normally register, or enjoy a stronger and faster climax than usual. As you reach optimal levels, you should notice an overall improvement in how you feel physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Why Choose Women's Wellness Institute of Dallas?
The Women's Wellness Institute of Dallas, led by Dr. Wesley Anne Brady, offers unparalleled expertise and care in cosmetic gynecology. As an all-female practice, we understand and empathize with our patients' unique needs and concerns. Dr. Brady has been the only female cosmetic gynecologist in the area since 2006, and she trained with the pioneers of the field. Having performed around 3,000 cosmetic gynecology surgeries, her extensive experience and board certification in OB/GYN ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
Dr. Brady's dedication to women's health and well-being sets her apart. She’s committed to achieving the best possible outcomes, making her a trusted choice for patients seeking hormonal balancing and cosmetic gynecology procedures.
Common Questions About Hormone Replacement Therapy
How Long Will My HRT Pellet Last?
On average, our Dallas patients request a re-pellet appointment every four months. The pellet dissolves according to a patient’s cardiac output, so triathletes will usually burn through the pellet in less time — perhaps three months — while a woman who isn’t very active might get six months out of each treatment. Dr. Brady recommends combining HRT with a healthy diet and regular exercise to achieve full benefits.
What Restrictions Will I Have After the Procedure to Place the HRT Pellet?
Restrictions are minimal. Dr. Brady will ask patients to avoid soaking in water and not to work out their gluteal muscles. This will mean no spinning, squatting, or lunges for three days after pellet placement. Otherwise, you can follow your normal daily routine.
Do Patients Stay on HRT Long-term?
The women who get treatment through our practice are generally very happy with their results. Around 95% of our HRT patients remain on the program long-term. They find that pellet insertion, checking serum levels, and occasional appointments with our office are minor tradeoffs compared to the benefits they receive in their quality of life.
What Is the Most Popular Age of Patients Who Get HRT?
HRT is popular among women in their 40s to 60s, especially those experiencing menopausal symptoms. However, women of any age experiencing hormonal imbalances can benefit from HRT.
What Procedures Is HRT Often Combined With?
HRT is often combined with other treatments, such as vaginal rejuvenation, skin rejuvenation therapies, and weight management programs to enhance overall health and well-being.
Is the HRT Procedure Painful?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort due to the use of a local anesthetic. After the insertion procedure, which is quick and minimally invasive, you might experience some minor discomfort or swelling at the insertion site for a few days. However, once the area heals, the pellet should not cause any noticeable sensation, allowing you to go about your daily activities.
Will I Be Able to Feel the Pellet Under My Skin?
In most cases, you don’t feel the hormone pellet once it has been inserted. The pellet is very small, about the size of a grain of rice, and is placed just beneath the skin in the hip or buttock area.
What Should I Do if I Miss a Scheduled HRT Pellet Placement?
If you miss a scheduled HRT pellet placement, contact the Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas as soon as possible to reschedule. Keeping regular appointments ensures that your hormone levels remain balanced.
How Do I Know if HRT Is Right for Me?
We conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and blood tests. This helps determine if HRT pellets are a suitable treatment option for your specific hormonal needs.
What Happens if I Stop HRT Treatment?
If you decide to stop HRT treatment, your hormone levels will gradually return to their pre-treatment state, and you may experience a return of the symptoms that led you to seek treatment initially.
Explore the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy in Dallas
The changes in libido, energy, and weight caused by hormonal imbalances don’t have to be permanent. Learn more about hormonal balancing with HRT by contacting Women’s Wellness Institute of Dallas online or at 214-442-0055.