Female hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), involves the administration of hormones to alleviate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, particularly during menopause. In women, menopause typically occurs in their late 40s to early 50s and is characterized by a decline in the production of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries. This hormonal shift can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, mood swings, and bone loss.

Female hormone therapy aims to replace or supplement the hormones that are declining during menopause to alleviate these symptoms and improve overall quality of life. There are different types of hormone therapy available, including:

Testosterone Therapy: Replaces testosterone levels back into healthy ranges that promote vitality and avoiding low testosterone related diseases.

Estrogen Therapy: This involves the administration of estrogen alone, typically for women who have undergone a hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus). Estrogen therapy can help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and urinary symptoms.

Progesterone Therapy: For women who still have their uterus, estrogen therapy is often combined with progestin (a synthetic form of progesterone) to protect the uterine lining (endometrium) from overgrowth, which can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Estrogen-progestin therapy can help alleviate menopausal symptoms while reducing the risk of endometrial cancer.

1. Bioidentical Hormone Therapy: Some women opt for bioidentical hormone therapy, which involves using hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the body. These hormones are typically derived from plant sources and can be customized based on an individual's hormone levels and symptoms.

Female hormone therapy can provide relief from menopausal symptoms and may also offer other benefits, such as preventing bone loss (osteoporosis) and reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

At Evolve, we have built an in-house laboratory which allows us to check important bio-markers. We have full results within 60 minutes of the blood draw. From there, your panel is analyzed.

Our standard blood panel includes:

• Hormones; testosterone, estrogen, FSH, LH.
• Lipid panel; cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides.
• Complete blood count
• Thyroid
• Complete metabolic panel

Understanding these panels help us determine your overall health and hormonal status.

It's important to note that though side effects are possible, through blood work, proper dosage and consultations, we have had success with our clients in avoiding negative side effects and maximizing the benefits.

Breast Tenderness: Some women may experience breast tenderness or swelling as a side effect of estrogen therapy. This side effect is usually temporary and may improve over time.

Irregular Bleeding: Women who take estrogen without progestin (in those who have a uterus) may experience irregular bleeding or spotting. This is due to the estrogen stimulating the growth of the uterine lining. Adding progestin to the regimen can help regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia (overgrowth of the uterine lining).

Fluid Retention: HRT may cause fluid retention in some women, leading to bloating or swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles.

Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Estrogen therapy, particularly when combined with progestin, may increase the risk of blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

HRT is typically a three therapy protocol.

Testosterone is administered weekly or once every two weeks. It is a intramuscular injection (glute, thigh)

Estrogen patch is applied for three days at a time. The patch is replaced on the third day and patch sites are alternated.

Progesterone is a daily pill to take at bed time.