Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy begins with an initial consultation, a crucial step where symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, and treatment goals are thoroughly discussed. This comprehensive discussion lays the foundation for the subsequent stages of the therapy process. Dr Arthur Zacco takes pride in considering all facets of your health when creating your individualized treatment plan. Following the consultation, diagnostic testing is conducted, typically through blood tests, to assess current hormone levels and pinpoint any imbalances or deficiencies. Utilizing data obtained from testing hormone levels in the blood, a tailored treatment plan is carefully devised to cater to the individualized requirements of each patient. This personalized plan considers the diagnostic results and the patient’s unique preferences and lifestyle. With a range of treatment options available, including pellets, injectables, or capsules, patients can choose the modality that aligns best with their preferences and daily routines. This tailored approach ensures that each individual receives a treatment plan optimized for their unique circumstances, maximizing the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes.

Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

HRT represents the cutting-edge approach to addressing hormonal imbalances and deficiencies within the body. It harnesses the power of bio-identical hormones sourced from plants, meticulously designed to replicate the molecular structure of hormones naturally produced by the body. This structural similarity ensures seamless integration and effectiveness within the body’s systems. HRT operates on the fundamental principle of restoring hormonal equilibrium, striving to alleviate the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance or declining levels. By rebalancing hormone levels, HRT enhances overall well-being, relieving symptoms that may impede daily life. If you’re keen on optimizing your body’s performance and ensuring it operates at its peak, HRT is an excellent first step. That’s why it is crucial to have an anti-aging physician who thoroughly comprehends your unique needs and understands how to apply test results appropriately.

Our Hormone Replacement Therapy in Raleigh, NC:

Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy:

Weight Management: HRT assists in maintaining a healthy weight by optimizing hormone levels, sleep, nutrients, heavy metals, GI health, exercise, etc. Dr. Arthur Zacco has found that weight loss is more easily achievable when these systems are optimized.
Emotional Stability: Balancing hormones enhances mood stability, reduces mood swings, and alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Mental Acuity: Hormonal optimization promotes sharper memory, improved focus, and cognitive function, combating brain fog symptoms and mental fatigue.
Restored Sex Drive and Stamina: HRT revitalizes libido, enhances sexual performance, and improves overall sexual satisfaction.
Increased Energy Levels: HRT combats fatigue, boosts energy levels, and enhances overall vitality by restoring hormonal balance.

Essential Hormones Targeted by Hormone Replacement Therapy:

Thyroid: Evaluation involves a thorough assessment of thyroid function, including TSH, T3, Free T4, Free T3, Reverse T3, and Thyroid Antibodies levels, alongside vital supporting nutrients such as Selenium, Iodine, and Zinc. Thyroid optimization is critical for metabolic health and overall energy levels.
Estrogens: This includes the evaluation and treatment of Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2), Estriol (E3), 16 OH Estrone, 4 OH Estrone, and 2 OH Estrone levels. Estrogens play a pivotal role in the female body by maintaining bone density, and muscle mass, keeping the skin and vaginal mucosa healthy, and minimizing breast droopiness.
Testosterone: Both men and women benefit from optimizing testosterone levels, as this hormone supports libido, muscle and bone health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, confidence, and immune function. Testosterone optimization is vital for aging individuals or those facing effects from cholesterol-lowering medication.
Progesterone: Progesterone deficiency can lead to sleep disturbances, anxiety, mood swings, and other symptoms, especially in post-menopausal women. Balancing estrogen with progesterone is essential to prevent hormonal imbalances and associated health issues.
Growth Hormone (GH or HGH): Growth hormone is crucial for growth in children and has numerous functions in adults, including maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and overall vitality. This is the rejuvenation hormone. Adult-Onset Growth Hormone Deficiency requires attention to prevent adverse health outcomes.
DHEA: The most abundant hormone in the body, DHEA production declines with age, impacting overall hormone levels. DHEA replacement therapy offers benefits such as reduced cardiovascular risk, cancer prevention, and osteoporosis management. It is the parent of all other cholesterol-based hormones, such as testosterone, estrogen, cortisol, progesterone, etc.
Cortisol: Proper cortisol levels are essential for managing stress, energy levels, metabolism, and immune function. Both low and high cortisol levels can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, mood swings, insomnia, weight changes, and more, highlighting the importance of cortisol optimization. Sleep deprivation can cause an increase in cortisol, which can result in weight gain and food cravings. If sleep deprivation becomes chronic, it can result in cortisol deficiency, which causes fatigue, memory fog, low libido, and decreased stamina.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Treatments:

Pellets: Small capsules inserted beneath the skin release hormones gradually over several months.
Injectables: Bio-identical hormones administered via injections on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
Capsules: Oral capsules are taken daily for hormone optimization.

Symptoms Treated by Hormone Replacement Therapy:

Adrenal Fatigue
Chronic Fatigue
Hair Loss
Difficulty Sleeping
Low Libido
Weight Fluctuations
Difficulty Concentrating
Emotional Imbalance
Hot Flashes
Depression
Anxiety

Eligibility for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT):

HRT caters to a diverse range of individuals experiencing hormonal imbalances or declines. For menopausal or peri-menopausal women, HRT offers relief from bothersome symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and diminished libido, restoring a sense of balance and well-being. Men grappling with age-related hormonal changes, such as declining testosterone levels, benefit from HRT’s ability to mitigate and even reverse symptoms like fatigue, muscle loss, and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, individuals aged 45 or older prone to hormonal fluctuations due to aging discover comfort in HRT, which effectively tackles concerns such as weight fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and emotional volatility. Even younger individuals exhibiting signs of hormonal imbalance, such as chronic fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and mood swings, can find respite through HRT, ensuring that hormonal issues are addressed promptly and effectively, regardless of age or gender.