As you approach middle age, you may be nearing the point where certain hormones begin to decline, causing a variety of physical and emotional changes. For women, this is known as menopause. In men, it’s referred to as andropause. While it’s impossible to prevent this natural fluctuation of your hormones, you don’t have to live with the unwanted side effects. At Avanti Medical Center, nurse practitioner Kellie Lewis and our industry-leading wellness team offer bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) in Lehi, UT as a solution to help both men and women rebalance their hormones, get relief from the symptoms of andropause and menopause, and — most importantly — feel more like themselves once again so they can enjoy each day to the fullest. Curious about whether you may be ready to start hormone replacement therapy? Read on to find the answer.
What’s the right time to start HRT?
While every person is unique, most of us begin to experience the early signs of menopause or andropause as we reach middle age. This can happen as early as your 40s, but some men and women may not notice the symptoms of hormone deficiency until they reach their 50s. Generally speaking, it may be appropriate to start BHRT therapy at or around 40 years of age, or when you start to experience the unwanted signs and symptoms of menopause for women or andropause in men.
How do I know if I’m ready to start BHRT?
If you believe that you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of low testosterone (men) or menopause/pre-menopause (women), schedule a consultation at Avanti Medical Center to learn more about your options for treatment. During this appointment, we will draw lab work (or review recent labs) to establish a baseline hormone level, talk about your symptoms and concerns, answer all of your questions at length, and recommend a course of action. Some indicators that may mean you are ready for BHRT include:
Symptoms of menopause in women
- Mood swings
- Hot flashes
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Thinning hair
- Weight gain and/or difficulty losing weight
- Osteoporosis
- Low sex drive
- Pain with intercourse (vaginal dryness)
Symptoms of andropause in men
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Brain fog
- Hair loss/balding
- Loss of muscle mass
- Weight gain or loss
- Low sex drive
- Sexual dysfunction
What to expect with BHRT
Once your baseline hormone levels have been established with blood work, we will determine the most appropriate dosage for your BHRT treatment. The BHRT hormones are delivered via tiny pellets inserted beneath the skin and are compounded from plant-based ingredients designed to be efficiently absorbed by the body, helping to provide consistent relief from your symptoms. On average, patients can expect to return 2 – 4 times per year to have new pellets placed. During these follow-up appointments, Kellie will monitor your progress, discuss any new symptoms you may be having, and adjust your dose as needed. With ongoing BHRT, many patients have overcome the symptoms of menopause and andropause and regained control of their life, health, and happiness once again.
Take charge of this chapter of your life with BHRT in Lehi, UT
If you believe that you may be experiencing unwanted physical or psychological changes associated with fluctuating hormones, menopause, or andropause, you may be a candidate for BHRT. To learn more about the life-changing benefits of BHRT, call Avanti Medical Center in Lehi, UT to schedule your discreet consultation with nurse practitioner Kellie Lewis today.
