HRT stands for Hormone Replacement Therapy, which is a treatment that uses hormones to supplement low hormone levels in the body. HRT can help relieve symptoms of hormonal imbalance like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased libido, and mood changes.
The main hormones used in HRT are estrogen and progesterone for women, and testosterone for men. The goal of HRT is to restore hormone levels back to a normal range, providing relief of symptoms.
There are different forms of hormone therapy available:
- Estrogen - Usually prescribed as a pill, skin patch, vaginal cream, or vaginal ring. Common brands are Estrace, Vivelle, and Climara. Estrogen therapy is typically used alone for women who've had a hysterectomy.
- Progesterone - Can be a pill, injection, intrauterine device (IUD), or skin patch. Prometrium and Provera are common brand names. Progesterone is always used alongside estrogen in women who still have their uterus to prevent overgrowth of the uterine lining.
- Testosterone - Provided as a skin patch, topical gel, injection, or pellet implant for men or women with low testosterone levels. Androgel, Testim, and Axiron are well-known testosterone products.
- Combined hormone therapy - Uses both estrogen and progesterone for women who still have a uterus. Prempro, Femhrt, and Angeliq are combined hormone medications.
HRT does carry potential risks like blood clots, stroke, heart disease, and breast cancer. It's important to discuss risks vs benefits with your healthcare provider. An HRT test is used to determine if hormone therapy is indicated for an individual patient based on their symptoms and hormone levels.
The main ways hormone levels are tested prior to starting HRT are:
- Blood tests - Estradiol, testosterone, FSH, LH levels
- Saliva tests - Measures free circulating hormone levels
- Pellet tests - Checks estrogen and testosterone levels after insertion of timed-release pellets
Based on test results and evaluation of a patient's health history, a doctor can determine if hormone therapy is appropriate. Ongoing testing may be needed to monitor hormone levels during treatment.
Some key points about HRT testing:
- Women are tested for estrogen and progesterone levels. Too high or too low levels can cause problems.
- Men are tested for testosterone level. Low testosterone can cause fatigue, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass.
- Saliva or blood tests check free hormone levels available to tissues. Total hormone levels can be misleading.
- Testing is important before starting therapy to verify need for hormones.
- Repeat testing helps adjust hormone dosing during treatment.
- Testing can monitor cancer risks like estrogen exposure in the breast.
If you're experiencing potential symptoms of hormonal imbalance like hot flashes, low libido, or fatigue, consult a doctor about HRT testing. Getting your hormone levels checked is crucial for determining if hormone therapy is right for you.
For convenient and accurate HRT testing services in your area, consider contacting Hormone Harmony Clinic. Their experienced physicians specialize in customized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. Hormone Harmony Clinic uses advanced testing methods and only highest quality hormones for optimal treatment results. Contact Hormone Harmony Clinic today to learn more about their HRT testing and therapy options that can help you feel your best.
