Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy

HRT FOR MONTANA AND North DAKOTA

YOU NEED A Specialist

If you are considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it’s crucial to work with a qualified specialist who can help you make informed decisions about your health. HRT can provide many benefits, from reducing hot flashes to promoting bone health, but the hormone balance in your body is complex and requires an intricate understanding of various hormones’ interplay, which is where a specialist comes in. A qualified provider can determine your optimal hormone levels, prescribe the right dosage, and monitor your progress to ensure HRT is safe and effective for your unique needs. With their expertise and guidance, you can achieve a healthy hormone balance and experience the full spectrum of benefits HRT has to offer.

Hormones & Mental Health with Michelle Frank, MSN, APRN, CNP

DO YOU SUFFER FROM any of THESE SYMPTOMS?

If so, you might benefit from Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Rank your symptoms and we can target dosing to your unique needs and personal health goals.

The PROCESS

The PROCESS

01

Labs

Our comprehensive lab work allows us to analyze your unique levels of various markers and hormones. By assessing your individual lab results, we can uncover hidden factors that may be contributing to your health issues, enabling us to create a personalized care plan that addresses the root causes.

02

Listen

We prioritize open and empathetic communication with our patients to understand their concerns, goals, and experiences, ensuring that their voices are heard and their unique needs are met. Our commitment to active listening allows us to build strong patient-provider relationships based on trust and collaboration.

03

Live

We collaborate with our patients to develop treatment plans that not only address immediate health concerns, but also prioritize long-term well-being. By actively involving our patients in the decision-making process, we create treatments that promote lasting improvements in overall quality of life.

There are MULTIPLE WAYS to GET STARTED with HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

It’s NEVER a one-size-fits-all approach. When we start with testing, we can give you an accurate targeted treatment plan. Instead of feeling frustrated with too many shots in the dark, you can feel confident that you’re getting a treatment plan that’s right for you – the first time.

Pellets are small, surgically implanted capsules that release hormones gradually over time, avoiding any highs or lows associated with daily hormone replacement therapy.

Creams are topical applications that are absorbed through the skin, allowing for easy and convenient use to begin experiencing the benefits of HRT.

Oral HRT involves taking hormones in pill form, which are then absorbed through the digestive system.

BIOIDENTICAL vs. SYNTHETIC

The key distinction between synthetic and bioidentical hormones lies in their composition, as synthetic hormones are chemically altered to resemble the body’s natural hormones, while bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and are structurally identical to those produced by the human body.

BIOIDENTICAL

Derived from plant sources

Have a molecular structure identical to the hormones produced by the human body

Can be customized to match an individual's specific hormone needs

Lower risk of side effects

SYNTHETIC

Chemically altered to resemble the body's natural hormones

Have a similar, but not identical structure, to hormones produced by the human body

Available in predetermined dosages

Higher risk of side effects

SOME things YOU MIGHT be WONDERING

Hormone pellet insertion is a procedure used for hormone replacement therapy, which involves the insertion of small pellets under the skin to release consistent, small, physiologic doses of hormones providing optimal therapy.

 
Here’s a general step-by-step explanation of the procedure:
 
1. Patient Consultation: The first step is to evaluate the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and hormone levels to determine if they are a candidate for hormone pellet therapy.
 
2. Customization: If the patient is a suitable candidate, the physician will customize the hormone pellet dosage based on the patient’s needs.
 
3. Preparation: The area (usually the upper buttock) where the pellet will be inserted is cleaned and then numbed with a local anesthetic.
 
4. Pellet Insertion: The physician makes a small incision, typically less than 1 cm, in the numbed area. Using a special trocar (a medical instrument), the hormone pellet is inserted under the skin.
 
5. Closing the Incision: The incision is then closed with surgical glue or stitches, and a bandage is applied.
 
6. Aftercare: There is minimal downtime post-procedure, and patients can return to their normal activities. However, they are typically advised to avoid swimming or bathing for a few days to allow the incision to heal.
 
7. Follow-up: The physician will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the patient’s hormone levels and symptoms to ensure the therapy is working correctly.
 

The procedure is relatively quick, usually taking less than 30 minutes, and is performed in the clinic. The pellets slowly dissolve over time, usually over 3-6 months, and will need to be replaced for continued treatment.

Hormones themselves do not cause cancer, but certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer. Research indicates that bioidentical HRT is cardiovascular protective and breast protective, superior to synthetic options. Bioidentical HRT may offer health promotion and healthy aging for the lifespan of the menopausal or andropausal patient. That’s right, HRT is for women and men! 

1. Breast Cancer: Some studies have shown that women who use combined hormone therapy (estrogen and progesterone) for menopausal symptoms for more than five years may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
 
2. Endometrial Cancer: Women who use estrogen-only therapy have an increased risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus). This risk can be reduced by using a combined estrogen-progesterone therapy.
 
3. Ovarian Cancer: Some studies suggest a slight increase in risk of ovarian cancer with the use of estrogen-only or combined hormone therapy, but the evidence is not as strong as for breast and endometrial cancer.
 
It’s important to note that the decision to use hormone therapy should be individualized and discussed thoroughly with your healthcare provider. The potential risks and benefits of HRT should be considered in the context of each woman’s personal health history, family history of disease, and the severity of menopausal symptoms.

No, it’s not too late! Recent studies reveal the importance of hormones in health promotion and healthy aging. It’s important to consult an expert in HRT to help determine the best method and dose for each patient, based on his or her history, symptoms, and lab values. Hormone optimization may help restore your vitality and confidence. We’ve got you!

Yes, we can help! The changes we undergo in pre- and peri-menopause may cause life-interrupting symptoms. You don’t have to “just live with it!” Let us help you find the optimal treatment to help you live life on your terms.

With proper care and guidance under the supervision of your HRT expert, you may continue HRT as long as you wish. We will do the monitoring and assure the benefits outweigh any risks. Our goal is health promotion and healthy aging!

GETTING STARTED IS SO SIMPLE

CONNECT WITH ESPRIT to BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY to VITALITY and CONFIDENCE