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

26/Aug/2022

Dementia affects millions of people all over the world, and the numbers continue to grow as the population ages. While there is no cure for dementia, there are treatments that can help slow down its progression.

One such treatment is hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which involves taking estrogen and/or progesterone after menopause.

In this blog post, we will look at the effects of estrogen and progesterone on dementia.

I am a woman over age 65, should I take Estrogen?

The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease, and research has shown that estrogen can help to protect the brain against Alzheimer’s. One study found that women who took estrogen after menopause were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those who did not take estrogen.

However, it is important to note that this protective effect was only seen in women who took estrogen before they turned 65. For women who started taking estrogen after age 65, there was no protective effect against Alzheimer’s.

There are a few possible explanations for this. First, it is possible that the brain is more susceptible to damage from Alzheimer’s disease after menopause when levels of estrogen start to decline.

Second, it is also possible that the protective effect of estrogen wears off after a certain number of years.

Finally, it is also possible that taking estrogen after age 65 has no effect on Alzheimer’s disease, and the difference in risk between women who took estrogen before and after age 65 is due to chance.

Estrogen can help women with hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness, which are common symptoms of menopause.

Estrogen can also help to improve mood and cognitive function. Most women feel that the quality of life that HRT gives them outweighs any additional chance of developing dementia. Remember, you should always talk to your doctor before starting any treatment.

What effect does progesterone have on Alzheimer’s?

Progesterone is another hormone that has been studied for its potential to protect the brain against Alzheimer’s disease.

However, the results of these studies have been mixed. Some studies have found that women who take progesterone are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, while other studies have found no effect.

It is possible that the conflicting results of these studies are due to the fact that progesterone levels decline with age, and so it may only be effective in protecting the brain if it is taken at a young age. It is also possible that the conflicting results are due to chance.

Progesterone replacement can help women moderate mood swings, deal with stress, and improve sleep quality. So most women find it very beneficial during menopause and even during peri-menopause.

Do I have a higher risk of developing dementia if I am on HRT?

The answer to this question is not clear. Some studies have found that women on HRT are at a higher risk of developing dementia, while other studies have found no effect. The conflicting results of these studies may be due to chance.

It is also important to note that the risk of developing dementia increases with age and family history regardless of whether or not a woman is on HRT.

Most women feel that the benefit to their quality of life (by reducing hot flashes and night sweats and increasing libido) is enough to negate the possibility of an increased risk of dementia. It is also important to note that many studies are not done with bio-identical hormones, and instead use synthetic hormones.

Remember that before starting any treatment you need to discuss it with your medical provider.

We are happy to test your hormone levels at Hormones by Design. Our newest location in New Braunfels, TX is accepting new patients. Call us at 830-627-7979 today!

Jeanette Maxey

11/Aug/2022

Jeanette Maxey

28/Apr/2022

Do you sometimes have trouble sleeping? Are you finding it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep at night? If so, you’re not alone.

Millions of women deal with insomnia every year. And while there are many potential causes, one of the most common is menopause.

In this blog post, we will discuss the relationship between menopause and insomnia and look at some of the possible treatments.

What is menopause and what are the symptoms

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years.

It typically occurs around the age of 51, but menopause can occur earlier or later depending on individual health and hormonal factors.

Menopause is caused by a decline in the production of estrogen and other reproductive hormones.

This decline leads to changes in a woman’s menstrual cycle and eventually to the cessation of menstruation.

Symptoms of menopause can vary from woman to woman, but they are often characterized by hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

While menopause is a natural part of aging, the symptoms can be disruptive and even debilitating for some women.

Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help manage menopausal symptoms and minimize their impact on quality of life.

What causes insomnia during menopause?

Menopause is a time of great change for women. Not only are there changes in hormone levels, but also changes in sleeping patterns.

Many women find that they have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep during menopause. There are several possible causes of insomnia during menopause.

First, the hormonal changes that occur during menopause can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle.

Second, menopause can cause hot flashes and night sweats, which can make it difficult to sleep.

Finally, stress and anxiety can also contribute to insomnia during menopause.

How to treat insomnia during menopause

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for menopause-related insomnia, there are a few treatments that can help. Here are five of the best treatments for menopause-related insomnia:

Hormone therapy: For women who are experiencing menopause symptoms due to a decrease in hormone levels, hormone therapy can be an effective treatment. This can be done through a pill, patch, or cream that replaces the hormones that are no longer being produced by the body. We only recommend bio-identical hormones.
Sleep aids: Over-the-counter sleep aids can be helpful for menopausal women who occasionally have trouble sleeping. These include melatonin, valerian root, CBD and more. Remember to always talk to your doctor before starting any supplement as it can interact with other medications.
Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help to ease menopause symptoms and promote better sleep.
Exercise: Exercise can help to improve sleep quality by reducing stress and anxiety. It is important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, however, as this can make it difficult to fall asleep.
Dietary changes: Making dietary changes such as avoiding caffeine and eating a light evening dinner can also help menopausal women get a better night’s sleep.

FAQ’s

Does menopausal insomnia go away?

As any woman who has gone through menopause knows, the hot flashes and night sweats can be difficult to deal with. But menopausal insomnia can be even more disruptive, causing sleepless nights and fatigue during the day.

The good news is that menopausal insomnia is often temporary, and there are a number of things that women can do to help themselves get some relief, which has been discussed earlier in the blog post.

Can menopause cause severe insomnia?

There is some evidence that menopause can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythms, making it more difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. While more research is needed to confirm these connections, it’s clear that menopause can potentially cause severe insomnia. If you are suffering from insomnia, talk to your doctor about it.

How can I increase my sleeping hormones?

There are a few things you can do to help increase your sleeping hormones. One, as mentioned earlier, is to avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed, as both can interfere with sleep. Another is to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep cycle. Finally, make sure your bedroom is dark and quiet, and that the temperature is comfortable. Creating an environment that is conducive to sleep can help your body to produce the hormones needed for a good night’s rest.

Conclusion

Menopause can be a difficult time for many women, both physically and emotionally. One of the most common complaints during menopause is insomnia, which can be caused by a number of factors.

Fortunately, there are a number of treatments that can help to ease menopausal symptoms and promote better sleep. If you’re struggling with menopausal insomnia, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. We would be more than happy to help! Our newest location in New Braunfels, TX is accepting new patients. Call us at 830-627-7979.

Jeanette Maxey

21/Apr/2022

Testosterone plays a part in many functions in both the male and female bodies. As men and women age, their bodies produce less and less testosterone.

But how do you know if you need to boost your testosterone level?

In this blog post, we will take a look at the symptoms of low testosterone and different therapies to increase or replace testosterone.

How does a woman know if she has low testosterone?

The most common symptom of low testosterone in women is a loss of libido. You may also experience fatigue, depression, anxiety, or brain fog.

There are other potential symptoms as well, such as hot flashes or night sweats, osteoporosis, hair loss, and vaginal dryness.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can run some tests to see if your testosterone levels are indeed low.

How does a man know if he has low testosterone?

older man testosterone loss

The most common symptom of low testosterone in men is a loss of libido. You may also experience erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, anxiety, or brain fog.

There are other potential symptoms as well, such as hot flashes or night sweats, osteoporosis, hair loss, and testicular shrinkage.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can run some tests to see if your testosterone levels are indeed low.

What are the different therapies to increase or replace testosterone?

There are a few different therapies that can be used to increase or replace testosterone. The most common is testosterone replacement therapy, which can be done via injection, patch, gel, or dissolvable tablet.

There are also testosterone boosters, which are supplements that can help increase your testosterone levels.

Why are there no pharmaceutical testosterone pills?

The answer to this is two-fold. First, testosterone is a hormone, and hormones are not typically taken in pill form because they are not easily absorbed by the body.

Second, testosterone pills can have serious side effects, such as liver damage.

There are rapid dissolving tablets (also called orally disintegrating tablets) or Troches that can be compounded with specific testosterone dosing in them.

These dissolve under your tongue or between your cheek and gum to safely give you the dose of testosterone required daily.

What is medical testosterone made from?

Most testosterone therapy is made from synthetic testosterone. This means that it is not identical to the testosterone that your body naturally produces.

We recommend bio-identical testosterone. This is testosterone that is identical to what your body produces. It is made in a laboratory from plant sources.

What classification is testosterone?

Testosterone is classified as a controlled substance. This means that it can only be prescribed by a licensed medical provider and dispensed by a pharmacy.

This also means that if you are prescribed testosterone to take daily, you will most likely need to show your ID at the pharmacy to pick up your medication.

What medications or supplements can I take to help with my low testosterone?

Most people need testosterone replacement therapy, however, there are also testosterone boosters, which are supplements that can help increase your testosterone levels. One of those supplements is DHEA.

DHEA is a hormone that the body uses to make testosterone. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications you may be taking.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help with my low testosterone?

There are a few different lifestyle changes that can help with low testosterone in men or women. First, you can try to lose weight if you are overweight. Second, you can exercise regularly. Third, you can try to reduce stress in your life.

Lastly, you can make sure to get enough sleep each night. All of these things will help improve your overall health and well-being, which can in turn help increase your testosterone levels.

Which therapy is right for me?

The best way to figure out which therapy is right for you is to talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out if your testosterone levels are indeed low and then recommend the best course of treatment.

If you are prescribed testosterone replacement therapy, they will also be able to help you decide which delivery method is right for you.

Here at Hormones by Design, we help both women and men with low testosterone. Call our newest location in New Braunfels, TX to make an appointment 830-627-7979. We are happy to help 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

08/Feb/2022

It’s normal to lose hair as you age. Hair loss in women is usually caused by a decrease in hormones, which can happen as you approach menopause. However, other factors can cause hair loss in women, including stress, diet, and genetics.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes and symptoms of hair loss in women, as well as treatment options.

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Decreased hormones: This is the most common cause of hair loss in women. As you approach menopause, your body produces less estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to a decrease in hair growth.
Stress: When you’re stressed, your body releases cortisol, which can cause hair loss. Hair can also fall out when you’re going through emotional stress, such as grief or trauma.
Diet: Hair needs nutrients to grow and stay healthy. If your diet is low in protein, vitamins A and B12, zinc, iron, or fatty acids like omega-three fatty acids (found in fish oil), then you may be more likely to experience hair loss.
Genetics: Hair loss can sometimes be hereditary. If your parents or grandparents had noticeable hair loss, you may also experience it.
Thyroid issues: An overactive or under-active thyroid can cause hair loss.
Autoimmune diseases: Hair loss is a common symptom of autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
Birth control pills: Some women experience hair loss after starting birth control pills. This is most likely due to the change in hormone levels.

Symptoms of Hair Loss in Women

Hair thinning: You may start to notice that your hair is thinner than usual. You see lots of hair after shampooing, in the shower, or on your brush.
Hair loss: You may start to lose hair in clumps. Hair may also come out when you brush it or style it.
Bald patches: You may develop bald patches on your scalp where there is little or no hair growth.
Difficulty styling hair: Your hair may be harder to style than normal, due to a decrease in its thickness and volume.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss in Women

treatment for hair loss

Medications: There are several medications available to treat hair loss in women, including minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia). They can help regrow hair, but they must be used for several months to see results.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy: When your hormones are out of balance, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy can help. This therapy involves taking hormones that are identical to the ones your body produces.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Restoration: PRP Hair Restoration is a treatment that uses your body’s growth factors to stimulate hair regrowth and healing. This is a simple process that begins with a blood draw from your arm. We then spin down the blood to separate the platelets and growth factors, which we inject into areas of hair loss on your scalp. Hair grows in a cyclical pattern, so it may take several treatments to see results. This treatment is now offered in our New Braunfels, San Antonio, and Boerne locations.
Thyroid medications: Medications can help regulate your thyroid if you have an overactive or under-active thyroid. Hair loss may be reduced once the thyroid is back in balance.
Collagen supplements: Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, and it’s essential for hair growth. Hair loss can be reduced by taking collagen supplements or eating foods high in this nutrient (such as bone broth).
Vitamins and minerals: Taking a multivitamin that includes vitamins A, B12, zinc, and iron can help promote hair growth. You can also speak to your doctor about taking specific supplements for hair loss.

If you’re concerned about thinning hair or other signs of aging, schedule a consultation with one of our providers in our newest location, New Braunfels, Texas! Call 830-627-7979 today.

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

09/Nov/2021

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the process of increasing the amount of hormones available for your body to use. Here at Hormones by Design we use Bioidentical hormones. Bioidentical hormones are the same structure and chemical makeup as the hormones your body produced when you were younger. We can replace estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone for our patients.

However, what HRT does is so much more than just replacement. Most women seek out hormone therapy when they begin to suffer from any of the following symptoms: hot flashes, night sweats, low sex drive, lack of energy, foggy thinking, mood swings, vaginal dryness, weight gain, hair loss, and much more. These symptoms can be present both before and after menopause. In fact, patients in our offices range in age from their 30s to their 80s. It is never too early or too late to seek treatment if any of these symptoms are bothering you.

When you begin HRT, you should start to see these symptoms improve or go away completely in a few weeks. By replacing your hormones, you are helping your body to function more like it did when you were younger. In short, HRT can help give you your life back.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, I encourage you to seek out the help of a qualified specialist in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.

We have offices in Waco, Boerne, San Antonio, and New Braunfels, Texas. We want to help you get your life back.

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.

Older Posts

I am a woman over age 65, should I take Estrogen?

What effect does progesterone have on Alzheimer’s?

Do I have a higher risk of developing dementia if I am on HRT?

What is menopause and what are the symptoms

What causes insomnia during menopause?

How to treat insomnia during menopause

FAQ’s

Does menopausal insomnia go away?

Can menopause cause severe insomnia?

How can I increase my sleeping hormones?

Conclusion

How does a woman know if she has low testosterone?

How does a man know if he has low testosterone?

What are the different therapies to increase or replace testosterone?

Why are there no pharmaceutical testosterone pills?

What is medical testosterone made from?

What classification is testosterone?

What medications or supplements can I take to help with my low testosterone?

What lifestyle changes can I make to help with my low testosterone?

Which therapy is right for me?

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?

Causes of Hair Loss in Women

Symptoms of Hair Loss in Women

Treatment Options for Hair Loss in Women

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

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