Hormones play an essential role in the body’s everyday functions. From regulating sleep patterns to maintaining blood sugar levels, your hormones are hard at work to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Because hormones are involved in so many functions, they can wreak havoc on the body when something throws them off. Unfortunately, this disruption is common as we age. Our bodies start slowing down on producing the hormones we need, and the result is unwanted symptoms—ranging from sexual dysfunction to weight gain.
Revive Wellness Clinic of Oxford and Starkville are our two physician-owned and operated clinics that treat men and women suffering from hormone imbalance. We’ve helped hundreds of patients improve their quality of life and regain their confidence with treatments that actually work.
Schedule a consultation today or keep reading to learn more about hormone replacement therapy in Starkville. In this blog, we’ll discuss how HRT works, your treatment options, and how HRT can help you improve your life.
What are hormones?
Many associate hormones with individuals going through puberty, pregnancy, or experiencing PMS. While it’s true that hormones play a crucial role in these stages, the reality is that hormones impact every person, regardless of age, gender, or stage of life.
Hormones are chemical messengers that tell our bodies what to do and when to do it. They regulate and control numerous body functions, including:
- Metabolism
- Reproduction and sexual function
- Growth and development
- Sleep patterns
- Mood and emotions
- Blood pressure
- Body temperature
Hormones are extremely powerful—it only takes a small change to trigger major effects throughout the body. If you are experiencing problems with any of the above functions, it’s possible they stem from a hormone imbalance.
What happened to my hormones?
Hormone production is influenced by several factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. But often, it’s simply our age that’s to blame for a change in hormone production. As the years go by, our hormone production tends to decrease and throw off the delicate balance in our bodies.
Although it’s a natural part of aging, a decline in hormone production can drastically impact your daily life. If your symptoms begin to interfere with your well-being, it’s important to seek treatment. Typically, men and women over the age of 40 suffer the most from hormone imbalances.
How do I know if I have a hormone imbalance?
Identifying a hormone imbalance is challenging because the symptoms can present in various ways. If you have concerns about your hormone balance, it’s important to bring it up with your doctor.
At Revive Clinic of Oxford and Starkville, we can use a blood test to check your hormone levels. Seeking care from a qualified provider is the best way to find out if you have a hormone imbalance, but some of the most common symptoms we see include:
- Emotional changes
- Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain
- Low energy levels
- Decreased sex drive
- Digestive problems
- Hot flashes
- Skin problems
- Loss of muscle mass
- Mood swings
- Hair loss
- Sexual dysfunction (such as erectile dysfunction or vaginal dryness)
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it might be time to schedule an appointment to see if hormone replacement therapy in Starkville is right for you.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that restores hormonal balance in the body. By supplementing the body with the hormones it needs, we can alleviate the symptoms you’ve been fighting for years. Hormone replacement therapy in Starkville can significantly improve your quality of life and well-being.
How is HRT administered?
We can administer HRT in several ways based on your needs and preferences. Our team of experienced physicians will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that may include any of the following treatments.
Pellets
One of the most effective ways to administer HRT is through pellet therapy. In this treatment, we implant small hormone pellets underneath your skin. The pellets contain bio-identical hormones similar to what your body naturally produces.
The pellet will then release a steady supply of hormones over the course of 4 to 6 months. We will monitor your hormone levels throughout treatment to ensure the pellet works properly.
Pros
The major advantage of pellets over other forms of HRT is the long-lasting effects. You don’t have to worry about remembering to take medication every day or applying cream each night, you only need to get a new pellet inserted a few times per year!
Cons
Pellets do require a small surgical procedure to administer underneath your skin. As with any procedure, there is an inherent risk of infection and discomfort. Pellets are also more difficult to change the dosing or stop treatment if desired.
Topical
Topical HRT treatments include creams, gels, and patches. You can apply these topical treatments to specific areas of the body that will absorb the hormones you need.
Pros
Topical treatments do not require any type of surgery to administer. Your doctor can easily adjust your dose, and you can discontinue use at any time.
Cons
More variables will affect your absorption with a topical treatment. Depending on the amount of cream/gel you use, the hydration of your skin, and the thickness of your skin, the amount of medication you absorb can vary from day to day. Additionally, extra precautions are necessary after applying topical treatments. We recommend avoiding physical contact with other people immediately after application so that it can absorb fully into your skin.
Oral medication
Another option for HRT is oral administration. These medications contain a small amount of the hormones you need. Dosing and frequency can vary, but oral HRT medications typically require daily use. While oral formulations are mostly used in women, there is not a form of testosterone that can be orally taken.
Pros
It’s easy to incorporate oral medications into your daily routine. Oral HRT has consistent dosing and your physician can easily adjust oral medication if necessary.
Cons
Absorption of oral medication can fluctuate. You might have to take your medication at specific times of the day (like during a meal) for optimal absorption.
Injectable medications
The last delivery method for HRT is injectable medications. Our healthcare professionals usually administer hormone replacement therapy in Starkville, but it’s possible to administer them yourself at home. Injections usually occur once a week or less, but the frequency can vary based on your needs.
Pros
The medication is directly administered into your bloodstream, so you can count on consistent absorption with every dose. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about administering injectable medications as frequently as topical or oral medications.
Cons
The obvious downside of injectable medicines is that they require a needle, which can be uncomfortable and anxiety-producing for some patients. Injections can also come with a risk of infection and bruising, but proper technique and administration will minimize these side effects.
We also find that many patients on injection therapy will feel fluctuations in their levels due to the way it is absorbed. Sometimes this “rollercoaster” effect can be bothersome and lead a patient to discontinuing or switching to a different treatment.
Our process for hormone replacement therapy
In Starkville, we start every new patient appointment with a consultation. During this time, we get to know you, your symptoms, your goals, and learn more about why you are seeking care. If we determine that hormone testing is warranted, we will order blood work to assess your hormone levels.
Based on your lab values and initial consultation, we will discuss your treatment options. After you select a treatment that fits your needs and lifestyle, we will begin treatment. Everybody is different, but you can expect to feel the benefits of hormone therapy after several weeks. Optimal results usually appear around 3 months.
Hormone replacement therapy in Starkville has helped patients:
- Lose weight
- Alleviate hot flashes and night sweats
- Improve energy levels
- Increase libido
- Improve sleep
- Boost mood
- Strengthen bones
If you are ready to improve your health and quality of life, reach out the the Revive Wellness Clinic of Oxford to schedule a consultation today!
Potential side effects
When starting any medical treatment, it’s important to be well-informed about potential side effects. Side effects can differ between men and women, but they usually resolve quickly as the body adjusts to the new hormone levels.
Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Bloating
- Headaches
- Acne
- Mood swings
- Breast tenderness or swelling
- Changes in hair pattern or hair loss
Fortunately, most of these side effects are temporary and easily managed by adjusting your dosage or stopping treatment.
Visit Revive Wellness Clinic for hormone replacement therapy in Starkville, MS
At Revive Wellness Clinic of Oxford, we specialize in treating hormone imbalances and sexual dysfunction. Our experienced physicians, nurse practitioners, and nurses are dedicated to helping you feel healthy and confident. Whether you are seeking medical or aesthetic services, Revive Wellness Clinic of Oxford is the go-to destination.
We have two convenient locations serving patients throughout Mississippi—our original location in Oxford, and our second location in Starkville.
If you are ready to learn more about hormone replacement therapy in Starkville, you can request an appointment online or contact our team today. If you prefer to call by phone, you can reach the Oxford clinic at (662) 801-5795 or the Starkville clinic at (662) 617-7885.
Unsure if you are a candidate for HRT? Our virtual consultation tool can help you discover the right treatment for your needs, with recommendations directly from our experts!