Is HRT Right for Me?

By Judy Couch, FNP-C
I’ve gotten this question many times during my bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) consultations. Most prospective patients are just looking for an answer as to why they feel so exhausted, moody, or overall unwell. They’ve tried medications. They’ve tried diet changes. Still, they don’t quite feel themselves. This is where I step in to recommend something called BHRT.
What is HRT?
Natural BHRT starts with a simple blood draw that measures your hormone levels. This includes testosterone, vitamin D, DHEA, and progesterone and estrogen (women only). Once we understand your levels, I meet with you to discuss your results. The majority of the time, people are deficient in at least one of these vital hormones. It’s common to have more than one deficiency.
To correct these low numbers, we use natural, plant-derived hormones to rebalance your levels. These include prescriptions like:
- Testosterone
- Estradiol
- Progesterone
- DHEA and Vitamin D
Who are the ideal candidates for HRT?
BHRT is a suitable option for many people who are suffering from Menopause and Andropause symptoms. These can include low sex drive, moodiness, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, hair loss, hot flashes, night sweats, and weight gain.
Men and women over the age of 18 are eligible for BHRT. Most of our clients are in the 40-65 age range, but we do see younger patients who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), thyroid conditions, or other medical issues that can benefit with hormone replacement.
Who is not recommended for HRT?
While hormone replacement therapy is recommended for many people, there are some contraindications. To make it easier for you, we will review your medical history and determine if BHRT is appropriate for you.
How do I test my levels?
It’s simple – call our office at 513-791-9474 or submit a consultation form to request a blood draw. This appointment will take about 5-10 minutes. Once we get your lab results back, we’ll call you to schedule your first consultation. I’ll walk you through what each number means so you can feel empowered about your health. We’ll then prescribe you the natural hormones you need to feel youthful and energetic again.