Are you considering hormone replacement therapy? It’s a powerful way to tackle menopause or andropause symptoms, kickstart weight loss or get your body back in harmony. We can help you prep for that first chat with your provider. This guide will ensure you enter the consultation well-informed and leave equipped with confidence. With the information below, you’ll be prepared to pose important questions and maximize the benefits of your visit.
How Do You Know You Need A Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
Around age 40, our hormones start to shift. A lot of patients come to me complaining about fatigue, a lack of energy and sex drive or skin and hair changes.
Full List of Signs To Look For
- Unexplained Weight gain
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness, muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness
- Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints
- Night sweats
- Sweating
- Increased sensitivity to cold or heat
- Constipation or more frequent bowel movements
- Frequent UTI’s
- Decreased sex drive
- Depression, nervousness, anxiety or irritability
- Thinning hair or fine, brittle hair
- Dry skin
- Memory fog
If you’re experiencing any of these, getting your hormones checked is imperative. You might be surprised to learn that your testosterone level could be off. Many women think that testosterone is only needed by men, but that’s not true at all. Testosterone is a very important hormone that protects the bones and heart, helps increase sex drive and boosts energy levels. Knowing where your hormone levels are can help you really understand what’s going on with your body.
Did you know that some men can experience decreased testosterone levels as early as their 30s? There’s so much information about women’s changing hormones that men can get lost in the shuffle — but a change can happen at any age.
The Science Behind Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
The essence of HRT lies in the scientific method of supplementing or substituting hormones that your body might not produce in adequate amounts anymore. As we age, our hormones decline and their levels shift. We can feel it mentally, emotionally and physically. Hormone optimization is incredibly important as it plays a huge role in how we feel, sleep and our brain functions daily. Hormone replacement therapy is not about stopping the natural aging process but rather managing it to preserve vitality and well-being.
In their position statement, the North American Menopause Society stated that “Hormone therapy remains the most effective treatment for vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and the genitourinary syndrome of menopause and has been shown to prevent bone loss and fracture.”
According to the Journal of Prescribing Practice, “The results demonstrated a significant improvement of 52% in quality of life after bioidentical hormone replacement therapy [BHRT] treatment. All 21 menopausal symptoms assessed were greatly reduced after BHRT treatment.”
Finding the Right Clinic
When was the last time you had your hormone levels checked? It is important to get them checked periodically, as doing so will help reveal how any underlying conditions, health issues or lifestyle choices could be affecting your hormone production.
When seeking a clinic for HRT in Leawood, Kansas, it’s crucial to ensure that you’re making an informed choice. Look for clinics with a strong reputation and a team of experienced medical professionals who specialize in hormone therapy. These experts should deeply understand the unique needs of men and women. The clinic should also offer comprehensive consultations, during which your healthcare provider can gather vital information about your health, discuss your goals and craft a personalized treatment plan.
At Leawood Total Wellness, our process is simple and easy. First, we’ll do a full consultation that examines your lifestyle, sexual, food and workout patterns. We’ll also discuss your symptoms and health history. Then, you’ll receive a thorough examination and, most likely, a blood test to help us determine your current hormone function. We will customize a treatment plan that will be used for you and you only.
Preparing for Your First Consultation
This meeting is the foundation for your entire treatment plan, so it’s crucial to approach it thoughtfully. I usually ask my clients what prompted them to see me during the first consultation. I’ll dig into your routines and explore what led you to seek my help. Maybe you’re dealing with afternoon fatigue or brain fog; a lot of people just deal with brain fog because they don’t realize they have brain fog until they fix it. It’s vital that you document your symptoms thoroughly, noting when they started, their frequency and any triggers you’ve identified so that we can understand how to best help you.
HRT is extremely customized. There’s so much involved in the treatment, that’s why I always say that no plan is like another. I’ll do a deep dive into your medical history: who you are, the medicines that you take, the surgeries that you’ve had and your family history. It goes really deep, so we can come up with the best plan that works for you.
When we do the blood panel, we’ll look at your hormones, but we’ll also look at vitamins. I run an almost routine blood work like what your primary care doctor would do to support my holistic approach. I can’t tell you how many people I have diagnosed that are pre-diabetic, have high cholesterol or have a major vitamin deficiency. What I provide is really a holistic approach. It’s not just zoning in on your hormones and not looking at anything else. What I think works for you is based on your height, weight and many things that go into my considerations so that I can give you a comprehensive plan.
Ask Questions
Asking questions is another essential aspect of your preparation. I’m here to address your concerns and clarify the treatment process. Here are some questions you might want to ask during the consultation:
- What are the potential side effects?
- How long is the treatment?
- How will specific symptoms be addressed?
Open and honest communication helps me fully understand your needs, which is essential for crafting a personalized treatment plan.
Real Stories and Testimonials
I know a lot of people out there who also feel frustrated with their hormone situation. The problem with a lot of these remedies is a lack of personalization. I customize every program so we can tackle hormone issues in a way that works for you.
I’m grateful to Angela and Carolyn for sharing their hormone experience.
“Knowledgeable on so many levels. So many amazing services are offered. When I was extremely frustrated and in tears over my hormone situation, Khyati was sympathetic and immensely helpful. Incredible customer service from every single person I have encountered during any appointment. When I’ve had questions after hours or on weekends, I’ve been able to reach someone quickly. At the end of the day, I always feel like family when I am leaving an appointment.” –Angela
“I’ve been seeing Khyati for about four years for Botox/fillers and around three for bioidentical hormone therapy! It’s a reassuring feeling that when I come to my appointments that I can trust Khyati. She’s got my best interest in mind and I’m so thankful for that!” –Carolyn
Coping Strategies and Well-being
Employing a holistic approach is key to optimizing your well-being. When you come to the clinic, you get a full consultation and we run a blood panel. But remember, I treat you, not just the number. So, it’s really important that I look at your lifestyle and what’s important to you. Then, we can come up with the best individualized plan so that you can optimize your hormones and feel the best.
We’ll also discuss lifestyle changes. You are only as good as how you treat your body. I could give you everything you need to change your health but if something inhibits you from feeling better that’s also something that we need to look into. I offer practical strategies for managing common challenges like mood swings and sleep disturbances. Maintain also a healthy work-life balance, as this period of life often demands a delicate juggling act.
Prioritizing Safety and Convenience
HRT is not appropriate for everyone! I will be very honest with you if it’s not the right choice for you. During the consultation, I’ll go through everything you need to know, including the risks and benefits to help you decide whether it’s for you or not.
It is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks, which can vary depending on the type of hormones involved, the method of administration and your unique health history. This discussion is part of our initial consultation, ensuring that any treatment plan is carefully customized to meet your needs while prioritizing safety and effectiveness.
Adjustments Along The Way
When you undergo HRT, it’s normal to tweak the plan as needed. This is why your communication with me is especially important, especially with regard to attending follow-up appointments so I can understand what’s happening with you.
I had a patient whom I prescribed cream for three and a half months. She later asked if she could try pellets to see if it would fit her better. After four months, she went back to using cream. There’s nothing wrong with it because the client and I discussed it. Adjusting and tweaking the numbers as we proceed with the treatment is normal.
Keep in mind that if we use a treatment — be it pellet, cream, etc. — it doesn’t mean it will stay that way for life. Your hormones will shift again and at that point, we should adjust again. The body is so complicated and we have to be patient and understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
I usually advise those who are hesitant at first to use cream. I’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type of treatment during the consultation. It’s really about you and how your body responds.
The North American Menopause Society advised that “Many factors will be part of a woman’s decision to use a particular hormone product — her age, her risks, her preferences, available treatment options and the cost of the product. Do her potential benefits outweigh her potential risks? Only after examining and understanding her own situation and after a thorough consultation with her clinician can a woman make the best treatment choice.”
Your Personalized Path to HRT in Kansas at Leawood Total Wellness
At Leawood Total Wellness, we make hormone replacement therapy (HRT) all about you. From the start, we listen to what your body tells us, tailoring everything to fit your unique needs. There are no cookie-cutter plans here—we’re all about matching our approach to what works best for you.
What really sets Leawood Total Wellness apart is our team. Think of us less like your healthcare providers and more like your partners in health. We bring together experts from all levels of hormone health to ensure your plan is spot-on. But it’s not just about science for us. It’s about building trust, keeping the lines of communication open and working towards your well-being together. With us, you’ve got a supportive and skilled crew with you at every step.
We have clients of all ages and health stages looking to recapture some of their youthful energy with BHRT — let’s work together to get you back to peak health!
If you have any questions, book a consultation and let’s talk.
