Hormone Replacement

Hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and weight gain may indicate a hormone imbalance. At ThriveWell Health and Wellness, PLLC, in Washington, North Carolina, family nurse practitioner Stephanie Mills Wynn, FNP-C, offers hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to balance your levels, ease symptoms, and help you feel more like yourself. Schedule a hormone evaluation at ThriveWell Health and Wellness, PLLC, by calling the office or booking an appointment online today. Telehealth visits are also available.

What is hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, is a treatment that increases your body’s hormone levels back into a normal range. Hormone imbalance can happen for numerous reasons, with aging being one of the most common. 

Fortunately, HRT treatment is a simple way to restore balance and eliminate bothersome symptoms associated with low hormone levels. It can boost estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones. 

What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?

If your levels aren’t balanced, HRT may offer the following benefits:

• Healthier skin and hair
• Reduced mood swings
• Fewer hot flashes and night sweats
• More energy
• Leaner physique
• Easier weight management
• Boosted strength
• Increased libido (sex drive)
• Reduced vaginal dryness in women
• Diminished erectile dysfunction (ED) in men
• Improved mental clarity
• Stronger bones
• Better sleep
• Easier ability to concentrate

HRT can help you look and feel your best at every age. The hormones used during HRT treatment are safe, highly effective, and identical to those your body already makes.

What can cause a hormone imbalance?

The following factors could increase the risk of hormone imbalance:

• Genetics 
• Aging
• Perimenopause and menopause in women
• Some medications
• Stress
• Obesity
• Autoimmune conditions
• Other medical conditions
• Steroid use

Adopting healthy habits may reduce your risk of hormone imbalance, but you can’t necessarily avoid it if you have certain risk factors.

Is hormone replacement therapy right for me?

Stephanie reviews your medical history and symptoms to determine if HRT is right for you. She also completes a physical exam and uses your blood test results to learn more about your current hormone levels and which HRT treatment may be best suited for you.

You might not be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy if you have a history of stroke, blood clots, heart problems, liver disease, or gallbladder disease — or if you’re pregnant. 

What can I expect during hormone replacement therapy?

Your personalized hormone replacement therapy plan may consist of one of the following options:

• Creams
• Gels
• Sprays
• Pills
• Patches
• Injections
• Vaginal applications 
• Pellets

During hormone pellet insertion, Stephanie places tiny pellets under the skin in your upper buttocks. The pellets gradually release hormones into your body during the next several months to support optimal balance.

During the weeks and months after beginning HRT, you should begin feeling better with fewer symptoms. It’s important to follow your hormone therapy regimen exactly as directed. Periodic blood testing helps ensure your treatment remains effective.

Schedule a hormone replacement therapy evaluation at ThriveWell Health and Wellness, PLLC, by calling the office or using the online booking feature today.