Health | Hormone Replacement Therapy New Braunfels, San Antonio, Waco & Boerne

16/May/2022

It’s no secret that hormones play a major role in our moods and emotions. This is especially true for women, as many female hormones regulate mood and feelings. As we approach menopause, many women experience a variety of symptoms that are often classified as depression.

However, before automatically prescribing antidepressants to these women, it’s important to look at all the possible causes of their symptoms. In some cases, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be the answer.

Menopausal Symptoms

Women in perimenopause and menopause can experience hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, lack of sex drive and so many more symptoms that disrupt your life.

You feel like you have lost your vitality and don’t feel like yourself. It can be hard to cope with the changes. It’s no wonder that so many women end up feeling depressed during this time.

Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone all Play a Role

Estradiol regulates mood and emotion by affecting the brain’s serotonin levels. As we age and approach menopause, our estradiol levels decline, which can lead to feelings of depression. Progesterone also plays a role in regulating mood and emotions. In addition, it has a calming effect on the brain and can help with anxiety and insomnia.

Testosterone is another hormone that can affect mood, although it’s often thought of as a “male” hormone. However, women also produce small amounts of testosterone, and this hormone can play a role in energy levels, sex drive, and a feeling of well-being.

When any of these hormones are out of balance, it can lead to feelings of apathy or even depression.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help

middle aged woman feeling happy

The first step to determining if you are feeling down/depressed due to declining hormone levels is testing your hormone levels. This can be done with a simple blood test.

If your hormone levels are low, you may be a candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT is an individualized treatment that uses hormones that are identical to the ones your body naturally produces.

These hormones can help to restore balance and alleviate many of the symptoms associated with perimenopause and menopause, including feelings of apathy or depression.

Antidepressants Also Play a Role

Antidepressants can still be necessary for some women. If you and your doctor have determined that your feelings of depression are not solely due to declining hormone levels, then antidepressants may be the best course of action.

What is the MOST IMPORTANT item to remember? Talk to your doctor. If you feel like you are experiencing depression or anxiety, don’t wait. Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss your symptoms and possible treatment options.

This is the best way to determine if BHRT, antidepressants, or a combination of both is right for you.

We here at Hormones by Design understand what a huge toll all this takes on your marriage, your family, and even your work.

We can help you by testing your hormone levels and helping you get back in balance. We want you to have clear thinking, good sleep, no hot flashes or night sweats, and the desire to be intimate with your significant other.

We understand how important it is to feel like yourself again. Give us a call today and let’s get started on getting your life back on track.

Our newest location in New Braunfels, Texas is accepting new patients. Call 830-627-7979 to schedule today!

Jeanette Maxey

12/Apr/2022

According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 54 million Americans are at risk of developing osteoporosis.

This number is only going to increase as the population ages. One of the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis is menopause.
During this time in a woman’s life, her body undergoes many changes that can lead to a decline in bone health.

Thankfully, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis. In this blog post, we will discuss how bioidentical hormones can help keep your bones healthy during menopause!

First of all, what is bone density and how is it measured?

Bone density is a measure of how much calcium and other minerals are in your bones.

It is usually measured using a test called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

This test can be done on any part of the body, but it is most often done on the hip and spine. The results of the DXA test are used to diagnose osteoporosis, osteopenia (low bone density), and other conditions.

What exactly are osteopenia and osteoporosis?

Osteopenia is a condition in which bone density is lower than normal but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis, on the other hand, is a condition in which bone density is so low that bones are more likely to break. Both of these conditions are serious and can lead to additional health problems.

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

There are many risk factors for osteoporosis, but the most common ones are aging, being female, having a small body frame, and having a family history of osteoporosis.

Other risk factors include smoking, drinking too much alcohol, not getting enough calcium or vitamin D, and being physically inactive.

What happens during menopause?

As we age, our bodies produce less and less estrogen. This decline in estrogen can lead to changes in our bodies, one of which is a decrease in bone density.

Estrogen helps to keep our bones healthy and strong, so when levels start to decline, it’s not surprising that our risk of developing osteoporosis increases.

How can bioidentical hormones help reduce the risk of osteoporosis?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that are structurally identical to the hormones our bodies produce. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including menopause symptoms.

One of the most common ways bioidentical hormones are used is in the form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis by replenishing the hormones that our bodies lose during menopause.

Estrogen in particular is important for bone health, and as women approach and go through menopause, their estrogen levels drop.

Studies have shown that HRT can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and osteopenia in postmenopausal women by increasing estrogen levels.

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis can cause a number of different symptoms, including back pain, loss of height, and fractures.

Fractures are one of the most serious complications of osteoporosis and can occur in any bone, but they are most common in the hip, spine, and wrist. If you have osteoporosis, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to prevent fractures.

What if I do everything recommended and still suffer from osteoporosis? What do I do then?

There are medical treatments, such as bisphosphonates, that can help treat osteoporosis. However, these treatments are not right for everyone and have several side effects. If you have osteoporosis, it is important to talk to your doctor about all your treatment options.

In conclusion, osteoporosis is a serious condition that can lead to many health problems. Menopause is one of the biggest risk factors for osteoporosis, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk.

One of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of osteoporosis is by using bioidentical hormones in the form of hormone replacement therapy. If you are pre or postmenopausal, talk to your doctor about whether HRT is right for you. Worried about osteoporosis?

Call our New Braunfels office today to schedule your appointment, 830-627-7979. We can help you determine your current bone density and how to help you avoid having a diagnosis of osteoporosis!

Jeanette Maxey

06/Apr/2022

If you’re like many women, you’ve probably been struggling to lose weight for years.

You may have tried every diet and exercise program out there, but nothing seems to work.

Have you ever considered hormone replacement therapy? Hormone replacement therapy can help you lose weight in a number of ways, including reducing your appetite and increasing your metabolism.

In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of hormone replacement therapy for weight loss and how it can help you finally achieve your goal weight!

Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce your appetite

If you’re always feeling hungry, it can be difficult to stick to a healthy diet.

hrt helping with appetite

Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce your appetite, so you’ll be less likely to overeat.

Estrogen in particular can work on the portion of the brain that is responsible for appetite, and can decrease hunger…therefore leading to a reduced calorie intake.

Reducing your calorie intake is one of the most effective ways to lose weight. And with a reduced appetite, you’ll be able to do just that.

A reduction in appetite can also help you avoid unhealthy snacks and junk food cravings. And we all know what happens when we give in to those cravings…

Hormone replacement therapy can help increase your metabolism

A slow metabolism can make it difficult to lose weight. Hormone replacement therapy can help increase your metabolism, which will help you burn more calories and lose weight.

Some research has shown that adding estrogen hormone therapy can help the body to process starches and sugars more efficiently instead of storing them as fat.

An increased metabolism can also help you maintain your weight loss in the long term.

When your metabolism is working properly, your body will be better able to burn calories and keep off excess weight.

HRT can also help boost metabolism by regulating the production of thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormones are responsible for regulating your metabolism.

If your thyroid hormone levels are imbalanced, it can lead to a slow metabolism.

Hormone replacement therapy can help balance your thyroid hormone levels and increase your metabolism.

As an added bonus, an increased metabolism can also give you more energy!

You’ll feel more energetic and motivated to stick to your weight loss goals.

If you have an underactive thyroid, you may find it difficult to lose weight even if you eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Hormone replacement therapy can help get your thyroid back on track, so you can finally start seeing results.

Hormone replacement therapy can help you burn more calories

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to lose weight.

But sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you just can’t seem to get rid of those stubborn pounds.

Hormone replacement therapy can help by replacing estrogen levels that drop during menopause. Estrogen can help increase metabolic rate in women and therefore can increase the number of calories you burn during exercise.

In one study, women who underwent HRT burned more calories during exercise than women who did not receive HRT.

This means that HRT can help you lose weight even if you don’t make any changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Plus, burning more calories during exercise can help you tone your body and build muscle. And we all know that muscle burns more calories than fat, so this is a great way to boost your metabolism even further.

If you’re looking for an extra edge in your weight loss journey, hormone replacement therapy may be just what you need.

hormone replacement therapy for weight loss

Hormone replacement therapy can help you lose weight in a healthy way

Losing weight quickly can be unhealthy. And often, the weight that is lost quickly is gained back just as quickly.

Hormone replacement therapy can help you lose weight in a healthy way by reducing your appetite and increasing your metabolism.

With HRT, you’ll be able to lose weight slowly and steadily. And because the weight loss is coming from a reduction in calorie intake, it is more likely to be permanent.

Losing weight in a healthy way can also help reduce your risk of developing obesity-related health problems, such as heart disease, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

Hormone replacement therapy can help improve your overall health

Not only can hormone replacement therapy help you lose weight, but it can also improve your overall health.

Some studies have shown that HRT can reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, and type II diabetes. It can also help relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

Receiving hormone replacement therapy can help you feel better both physically and mentally.

If you’re struggling to lose weight, HRT may be the answer you’ve been looking for.

Please don’t hesitate to call our New Braunfels location at (830) 627-7979 if you have any queries. We would be delighted to assist you!

Jeanette Maxey

18/Mar/2022

What is a hysterectomy or oophorectomy?

A hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus, and an oophorectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries. Hysterectomies and oophorectomies can be performed together or separately.

Why do you get a hysterectomy or oophorectomy?

There are many reasons why a hysterectomy or oophorectomy may be recommended.

Some common reasons include:

Endometriosis
Uterine fibroids
Chronic pelvic pain
Cancer of the uterus, ovaries, or cervix
Severe bleeding during menses

What are the consequences of a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy?

The loss of the ovaries can cause a woman to experience a sudden and drastic decrease in estrogen levels (also called surgical menopause).

This can lead to numerous health problems, including osteoporosis, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Symptoms of low estrogen include:

Hot flashes
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings
Sleep problems
Foggy thinking
any many more

What are my estrogen replacement options/alternatives?

Fortunately, there are several ways to increase estrogen levels naturally. One option is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), which involves taking estrogen injections, pills, patches, or creams.

In fact, most patients need estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to feel their best after a hysterectomy or oophorectomy.

Natural vs. Synthetic Estrogens

There are two main types of estrogen therapy: synthetic and natural:

Synthetic estrogens are made in a laboratory and are not identical to the hormones produced by the body.

Natural estrogens, on the other hand, are derived from plant sources and are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the body. This is often termed “bio-identical.” The most common form of estrogen used for HRT is Estradiol.

woman speaking with nurse

How long should you take estrogen after a hysterectomy?

This is a question that should be discussed with your doctor. Typically, patients will take estrogen therapy for the rest of their lives. However, some women may only need to take it for a few years.

If you are considering a hysterectomy or oophorectomy, it is important to talk to your medical provider about hormone replacement before the procedure. Here at Hormones by Design, we specialize in BHRT.

We can help you with determining your estrogen levels and help you make a plan for the best method to replace all your needed hormones.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our new New Braunfels location at (830) 627-7979. We would be happy to help!

Jeanette Maxey

09/Nov/2021

Yet another common question we are asked is “What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.”

Well, let’s break this question down into two parts, and look at the answer.

First, let’s explore Hormone Replacement Therapy (or HRT for short). HRT has been around since the 1940s with the advent of Premarin. Premarin is a combination of estrogens made from pregnant mare (as in horses) urine. Early in its lifespan, Premarin was shown in short-term studies to help combat the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Then along came the 1960s with the advent of hormonal birth control pills.

These pills consisted of estrogen along with a synthetic progesterone called progestin. As you can see, some of these therapies are organic in nature (like pregnant mare’s urine) while others are synthetic (like the progestins). Versions of all these substances combined to make up early treatments for Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Now, let’s fast forward to the modern-day. Research has shown that taking synthetic hormones and even organic-based hormones like Premarin can lead to dangerous side effects such as blood clots or stroke. Today, there is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (or BHRT for short). What does that mean, “Bioidentical?”.

Bioidentical means that the hormones are chemically and structurally identical to the ones your body made when you were younger.

To put it plainly, bioidentical hormones are fitting a round peg into a round hole, where traditional HRT (like pregnant mare’s urine) is fitting a square peg into a round hole. I don’t know about you, but I would prefer the formula that actually fits the hormone receptors in my body so that I can get the most benefit from what I am taking…

Here at Hormones by Design, we specialize in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. In fact, that is the only kind we offer. Our licensed specialists can help you through the many symptoms you may be experiencing. Feel free to call the office closest to you today!

Jeanette Maxey

15/Oct/2021

Patients who are new to our clinic are often surprised to see that we sell vitamins (we refer to them as supplements) in all our offices. Well, we feel that supplements are an excellent natural treatment.

Here is why…

Believe it or not, there are many symptoms that can manifest due to vitamin or mineral deficiencies. For example, patients who are constantly tired can benefit from supplementing their diet with a B-Vitamin complex. There are many B-Complexes to choose from, but we would like to add that all vitamins are not created equal.

In general, the vitamins found in your local drugstore or grocery store are not high quality. These are not strong enough to raise blood levels of B vitamins and are not even in the correct form for your body to absorb them. The fastest way to check to see if you are taking the correct form is by looking at the Vitamin B12 in the complex. You want your B12 to be in the form of Methylcobalamin.

However, most drugstore vitamins are going to be in the cheaper to manufacture form of Cyanocobalamin. The good news, however, is that you cannot overdose on B vitamins. They are water soluble, so any excess that your body does not use is simply eliminated in your urine.

Another typical symptom that we see is inflammation. Inflammation can be pain in joints, muscles, or many other areas. One typical deficiency that can add to inflammation is Vitamin D deficiency. Most people know Vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin”. In reality, almost all of the population is deficient in Vitamin D.

Most of us work indoors and do not spend time outdoors without sunscreen or clothing that covers our skin. In order to produce Vitamin D, the body requires regular exposure of the trunk (or mid-section of the body) each day…so, you would have to spend time outside in a bikini without sunscreen.

Supplementing Vitamin D can bring down levels of inflammation all over the body. However, to reiterate, you must have a high-quality D supplement in the correct form for your body to absorb it. Vitamin D is an oil-soluble vitamin, which means that you must have your blood levels monitored by a doctor to ensure your levels do not get too high.

Next in the lineup of symptoms is muscle cramps and restless legs. We have patients that complain of muscle cramps during the day, and of course those who experience this at night. Sometimes these muscle cramps and restless legs are due to a deficiency in Magnesium. Magnesium is important for many functions in the body and helps with bone and teeth structure.

What most people do not realize is that Magnesium is a smooth-muscle relaxer. Meaning that by taking Magnesium you may be able to eliminate muscle cramps and restless leg issues. Magnesium comes in multiple forms as well. The Magnesium we are referring to here is di-magnesium malate. If you are experiencing muscle cramps, you can try Magnesium supplementation.

The list of symptoms from vitamin and mineral deficiencies go on and on. Most of our patients have some type of deficiency because let’s face it…no one eats perfect 100% of the time. If you think you might have a deficiency, feel free to contact our office and arrange for testing.

If you are an established patient, just ask at your next visit about testing your vitamin levels. If you decide to take a supplement, we recommend high-quality, pharmaceutical grade supplements like the ones we carry in our office.

Jeanette Maxey

14/Oct/2021

Everyone who comes into our office has asked this question at least once, “How much does Hormone Replacement Therapy cost?”. Well, the answer here is that it can vary.

There are some variables in whether or not you have health insurance, what type of therapy you elect to use, and of course, your budget. The following details apply for women seeking hormone replacement therapy, before or after menopause.

First, let’s look at using your health insurance. In our Hormones by Design offices, we do not accept health insurance for the office visit but will gladly use your health insurance for lab work once you are established as a patient. Therefore, the cost for the office visit is usually around $100.

Labs can be sent to your health insurance if you like, or you may pay for them yourself. We have exceptionally low lab prices. You can see all of them at https://hormonesbydesign.com/hbd-labwork-waco/.

Second, you must consider the type of therapy that you choose. The overwhelming majority of our patients choose monthly injection therapy. This is where the patient comes into our office for a lab draw about 3 days before their scheduled appointment, the labs are sent off, and results come back by appointment time.

These lab results are then used to craft a combination of hormones into an injection solely for that patient. For patients that choose injection therapy, the cost per month is included in the office visit, so it is generally only the $100 per month. No matter what therapy you choose, progesterone is almost universally needed for every patient.

This is given orally via a prescription. The cost of a progesterone prescription varies according to each patient’s insurance. Typically, the cost ranges from $20 per month and up.

Lastly, you need to consider your budget. Here at Hormones by Design we will always take your budget into consideration. We don’t ever want a patient to feel that regaining a more youthful quality of life is not attainable due to cost.

There are many ways with which to do hormone replacement. We want to work with you to find the therapy and the price that is sustainable for you. We strive for amazing care at affordable prices.

Jeanette Maxey

10/Feb/2021

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used to treat which of the following conditions?

A lack of thyroid hormone can cause a whole list of uncomfortable symptoms including:

weight gain/loss
hair loss
acne
drop in energy in the morning or evening (or both)
body aches
depression
and much more

At Hormones by Design, our licensed providers not only specialize in bio-identical hormones, but they also specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid-related issues.

Thyroid hormone can be replaced in several different ways. Patients can choose from custom-compounded formulas or commercially available prescriptions. Either way, replacing thyroid hormone can help eliminate the list of symptoms above and get your energy back!

Call and schedule your new patient appointment with us today and let’s get started making you…a more optimal you.

Jeanette Maxey

24/Jan/2021

One common question we get is, “What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?” (HRT) Our reply is simply that it is what the name says. Your doctor is using prescription drugs to replace your body’s hormones.

What is in hormone replacement therapy?

This is the truly important question. HRT can be accomplished with a variety of prescriptions. Most physicians use synthetic hormones like those found in Premarin. Premarin is actually made of pregnant horse (mare) urine. So, it is not the same as what the human body requires. Our physicians use bio-identical hormones. This ensures that the hormones are the same molecular structure as the hormones your body makes.

How is hormone replacement therapy accomplished?

In other words, the patient wants to know how this therapy is administered. Well, that is the choice of the patient. Most of our patients chose our unique monthly hormone injections. These are customized to the patient based on current lab results and patient symptoms. Patients report feeling better faster and enjoy being able to change their dose if needed at their next appointment.

What hormones are used in HRT?

In general, female patients can receive Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone. While male patients receive only Testosterone.

When do I need HRT?

HRT can start as early as necessary. Symptoms can start in your 30’s and 40’s with what is called perimenopause. This goes all the way up to your 50’s when menopause typically starts. Symptoms are generally the biggest indicator of your need for HRT.

Where can I get HRT?

A qualified doctor/healthcare provider must prescribe HRT. Hormones by Design has a highly trained and qualified provider in each of its locations to serve your HRT needs.

Who needs HRT?

Both women and men can benefit from HRT.

Hormones by Design treats women and men with bio-identical hormone replacement. We have locations in San Antonio, Boerne, and Waco, Texas. Visit our website at www.hormonesbydesign.com.

Jeanette Maxey

24/Jan/2021

You have finally reached menopause. Your first thought is “Yeah! No more periods!”, and then the symptoms of menopause hit. You begin experiencing one or more of the following:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety
Lack of sex drive
Lack of energy
Vaginal dryness
Foggy thinking
Mood swings
Weight gain

These symptoms, along with lab work showing that your hormone levels are low, indicate that you are a candidate for starting Hormone Replacement Therapy.

Menopause does not have to be a miserable time in your life. You could get back the vitality that you had in your 20s and 30s with Hormone Replacement Therapy.

At Hormones by Design, we recommend and utilize Bio-identical Hormone Replacement (BHRT). BHRT uses hormones that are the exact same molecular structure as the hormones that your own body produced when you were younger. Most of our patients opt for our unique monthly hormone injections. This allows for a customized dose to address lab values and symptoms that the patient is experiencing.

Hormones by Design treats women experiencing the symptoms of menopause and even perimenopause (that comes before menopausal age). We have locations in San Antonio, Boerne, and Waco, Texas. Visit our website at www.hormonesbydesign.com.

Older Posts

Menopausal Symptoms

Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone all Play a Role

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy Can Help

Antidepressants Also Play a Role

First of all, what is bone density and how is it measured?

What exactly are osteopenia and osteoporosis?

What are the risk factors for osteoporosis?

What happens during menopause?

How can bioidentical hormones help reduce the risk of osteoporosis?

What are the symptoms of osteoporosis?

What if I do everything recommended and still suffer from osteoporosis? What do I do then?

Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce your appetite

Hormone replacement therapy can help increase your metabolism

Hormone replacement therapy can help you burn more calories

Hormone replacement therapy can help you lose weight in a healthy way

Hormone replacement therapy can help improve your overall health

What is a hysterectomy or oophorectomy?

Why do you get a hysterectomy or oophorectomy?

What are the consequences of a hysterectomy and/or oophorectomy?

What are my estrogen replacement options/alternatives?

Natural vs. Synthetic Estrogens

How long should you take estrogen after a hysterectomy?

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is used to treat which of the following conditions?

What is in hormone replacement therapy?

How is hormone replacement therapy accomplished?

What hormones are used in HRT?

When do I need HRT?

Where can I get HRT?

Both women and men can benefit from HRT.

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