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Hormone Therapy

Southwest Family Physicians -  - Family Practice

Southwest Family Physicians

Family Practice & Medical Weight Loss serving Tigard, Hillsboro, Beaverton, Lake Oswego, and Portland Oregon metro

When your hormones are even a little unbalanced, it can wreak havoc in your body. At Southwest Family Physicians in Tigard, Oregon, we offer in-office hormone replacement therapy to rebalance your hormones and address symptoms that affect your health. The team can also assist you with issues related to the gender transition process. If you’re reaching the age of menopause or are struggling with male sexual dysfunction as a result of hormone fluctuations, don’t delay an evaluation. You can book an appointment online or call the practice to learn more about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone Therapy Q & A

What is hormone therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that addresses imbalances in your hormone levels. Your Southwest Family Physicians doctor can prescribe synthetic hormones that closely resemble the hormones your body makes naturally.

Taking these hormones rebalances your own levels, which can improve your overall health and wellness. Hormone replacement therapy can also ease symptoms of a thyroid disorder, menopause, or other health conditions affecting men and women.

If you’re in the process of a gender transition, hormone therapy may be used to enhance certain physical characteristics of the gender. For instance, estrogen may be needed to increase feminine characteristics, while testosterone or androgens may be used to strengthen masculine characteristics.

While it can take time to find the right dosage of hormones, your Southwest Family Physicians provider will work closely with you to create the right treatment plan and ensure your symptoms are resolved effectively.

How does hormone therapy treat menopause symptoms?

Menopause is the time when the production of female hormones, estrogen and progesterone, begins to slow down and a woman’s menstrual cycle ends. This change results in a variety of symptoms that can be severe enough to interfere with your quality of life.

Rather than a slow and steady decline in hormone production, your body can experience wild fluctuations that trigger issues including:

  • Night sweats
  • Hot flashes
  • Mood swings
  • Reduced sex drive
  • Anxiety and depression

 

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men:

Men, like women, undergo age-related hormonal changes, particularly a decline in testosterone known as andropause. This decline can lead to symptoms such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood swings, and loss of muscle mass.  Eligibility for hormone therapy is determined by factors like age, health status, and symptom severity, with your Southwest Family Physicians provider guiding the suitability of this treatment option. Hormone replacement therapy can stabilize male hormone levels and alleviate the severity of your symptoms.

Am I a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy isn’t the right treatment option for everyone. Your Southwest Family Physicians provider evaluates your age, existing health, medical history, and the severity of your symptoms to determine if you’re a good candidate for hormone therapy.

Women over 35 and those who smoke may not be able to take hormones, due to an increased risk for stroke, blood clots, and heart disease.

Your Southwest Family Physicians provider can determine if hormone replacement therapy is a safe option for you or if you need other treatments to restore your quality of life.

To learn more about the benefits of hormone therapy, call Southwest Family Physicians today or request an appointment online now.