Hormone Replacement Therapy

What are hormones and how do they impact me?

Hormones are chemicals produced in the glands that make up your endocrine system and are responsible for telling your various body parts and organ systems what to do and for how long. Your hormones play a vital role in managing many important functions, including mood, sexual health, growth and development, and metabolism.

In order for your body to run efficiently, hormone levels need to be in balance. Producing too many or not enough of any hormone can cause many symptoms, from fatigue to depression to low libido.  Women in their 40's often experience perimenopause symptoms ranging from fatigue, decreased libido, brain fog,  loss of lean muscle tissue, difficulty sleeping and anxiety. Though many women experience changes in estrogen levels as they approach menopause, hormone imbalance can occur at any age and for many reasons. 

Am I a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

Dr. Clark or his Physician Assistant, Carrie Heineman, will meet with you to determine if you’re a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You may want to consider scheduling an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms associated with hormone changes such as:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Mental fogginess and memory issues
• Difficulty sleeping
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness
• Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Feeling cold
• Constipation

During a consultation, Carrie or Dr. Clark will review your symptoms and your medical and gynecological history. A physical exam may be indicated and we will ask specific questions that indicate changes in hormone levels. A blood draw that tests hormone levels will also be needed. 

What are bioidentical hormone pellets?

Physician Asssistant Carrie Heineman and Dr. Clark use both bioidentical hormone pellets and traditional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Bioidentical hormones are a natural form of hormone replacement created from soy or yams and have the same chemical structure as the hormones in your body. When used as a hormone replacement, bioidentical hormones mimic the actions of your hormones to reduce symptoms. 

In addition to being a more natural hormone replacement option, bioidentical hormone pellets offered at The Clark Center are custom-designed to meet your specific hormone needs to optimize levels. They provide a consistent level of hormones in your body avoiding the problems associated when these levels fluxuate. 

What can I expect during hormone replacement therapy (HRT)?

After reviewing your medical history and goals for treatment, Carrie or Dr. Clark would make a recommendation as to whether you would benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT).  Treatment options include pharmaceutical grade cremes, capsules, vitamin supplements and patches applied to the skin containing hormones that are absorbed by the body.  Also available is hormone pellet therapy where a grain-size hormone pellet (estogren and/or testosterone) is inserted under the skin on your hip. The insertion of the bioidentical pellet is painless. There is no scarring and only requires a bandage for healing.

The bioidentical hormone pellet provides your body with a consistent dose of the hormones you need to optimize levels and improve your symptoms.  Traditionally, we prescribe estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. The team at The Clark Center monitors you closely while undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and replaces your pellet when needed, usually every four to six months.

For an evaluation at The Clark Center to see if you would benefit from hormone replacement therapy (HRT), call the office or use the online booking button today.