Hormone Replacement Therapy 

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Mountain View, San Jose and Carmel, CA

Hormone Replacement Therapy Mountain View, San Jose and Carmel, CA

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment designed to help alleviate the symptoms of aging with the use of bioidentical hormones. As women enter perimenopause and menopause, they experience a dramatic decrease in estrogen and progesterone hormones, causing uncomfortable and debilitating issues like hot flashes, insomnia, decreased sex drive, mood swings, and more. Men can also go through a similar stage of life called andropause, characterized by decreased testosterone production. Within andropause, men can experience a range of symptoms including erectile dysfunction (ED), muscle loss, and general fatigue. With HRT, doctors monitor patients’ hormone levels and implement a customized treatment plan to reverse these hormone-related issues, helping them achieve a better quality of life and vitality. Options for HRT include pellets and injections, methods that administer a precise amount of hormones directly into the body.

To find a solution to your aging concerns, HRT may be the right treatment for you. Get in contact with Wunderbar Medspa, serving the residents of Northern California. Our team is trained to help patients age with grace and confidence. Call the location closest to you, or fill out our contact form, and a member of our staff will respond to you as promptly as possible. 

About Menopause and Andropause 

Menopause

The effects of perimenopause and menopause can cause drastic changes in a woman’s life. Women can begin to notice signs of perimenopause as soon as their late 30s or early 40s. During this stage, women may experience more irregular menstrual cycles for around 4 to 8 years leading up to menopause. This can be attributed to less ovary functionality, the structures that create and release eggs. Not only does reproductive health change, but the risk of developing a mental health disorder increases. On average, women are more likely to experience more depression and anxiety during this stage of their life. By the time menopause arrives, the ovaries are no longer active, menstruation stops completely, and estrogen levels are at their lowest. 

Andropause

Andropause is lesser known, but it can still make a significant impact on a man’s life. This transition, often referred to as “male menopause” typically occurs in the late 40s or early 50s.

Not all men go through andropause, but the ones who do have low testosterone (low T) are accompanied by many of the same symptoms that women experience. Some have a different type of low testosterone called late-onset hypogonadism, which affects more than 3% of all men between the ages of 30 and 69. This is characterized by a dramatic decrease of “free” testosterone within the blood that is not bound to protein. However, a much higher percentage of men are likely to have late-onset hypogonadism since it often goes misdiagnosed. (1) 

Many women and men are told that the following changes are completely natural, but that does not take away from the fact that they are hard to deal with:

  • Lower libido 
  • Vaginal dryness in women
  • Erectile dysfunction in men 
  • Decreased muscle mass 
  • Loss of bone density 
  • Changes in fat distribution 
  • Mood swings 
  • Dry skin and thinning hair 
  • Depression and anxiety 
  • Insomnia 
  • Chronic lack of energy
  • Weight gain
  • Hot flashes in women 

HRT can eliminate or reduce these unwanted symptoms of aging to help you gain better control over your physical and mental health. This minimally invasive solution can serve to restore a younger version of yourself, bringing wellness back into your daily life. 

Candidates for HRT 

To review your candidacy, one of the hormone experts at Wunderbar will review your blood tests to ensure there are no other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. Though HRT is suitable for a wide range of patients with age-related hormonal imbalances, these treatments are not suitable for everyone. Those who should avoid HRT altogether include: 

  • Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer 
  • Those with a cardiovascular condition or a history of blood clots 
  • Prospective patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure 
  • Those with liver disease

Personal Consultation

During your Wunderbar consultation with a hormone specialist, you will have the chance to speak about your concerns and the changes you have experienced since undergoing andropause or menopause. They will be sure to evaluate your overall health and medical history before conducting blood tests to create a custom-tailored HRT plan with the correct dosages. They will provide you with more comprehensive information regarding your available options and what you feel most comfortable with. 

Making the major decision to implement HRT into your life can transform it for the better. Get in touch with Wunderbar with our online form, and we will assist you in scheduling your consultation, or call one of our 3 offices today: 

Treatment Options

HRT for Women 

If you are a woman, your hormone specialist will prescribe a specific dosage of estradiol and progestin, the molecularly identical hormones that act as naturally occurring estrogen and progesterone. The body processes these hormones in the same exact manner, relieving you of perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Studies find that HRT for women can prevent bone loss and the onset of coronary heart disease, so the benefits extend beyond just immediate improvements in day-to-day life. (2) 

Depending on your particular needs, you may benefit from a form of TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) customized for women. Research finds that TRT allows both men and women to build more lean muscle mass, improve their sexual lives, and restore denser bones. (2) If you want a treatment that involves less commitment, HRT injections may be a convenient, effective option. As you continue your treatment, you can work with us to make adjustments as needed. We also offer the hormonal pellet, equipped with a specific formulation of hormones for your body to take as needed. For this minor procedure, your specialist will make a tiny incision within the skin and place the rice grain-sized implant just under the skin. With this method, you will be able to benefit for 3 to 5 months without needing to make frequent office visits. 

HRT for Men 

If you are a man, your specialist will implement a form of TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) to raise your levels of “free” testosterone in the blood. Just like women, HRT for men includes the hormonal pellet and injection options for treatment. Many treatment plans include 1 to 4 injections per month; the frequency and dosing will depend on your treatment plan. Hormone pellets generally include 150 to 450 mg of testosterone and are inserted under the skin within or near the hip area. (4) As always, the method of administration is up to your preferences. 

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

EmSculpt Neo 

EmSculpt Neo is a non-invasive device that uses the power of high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy and radiofrequency- another magnetic energy- to build muscle and reduce fat in the target treatment area, most commonly the abdomen. In just a span of 20 to 30 minutes, these combined energies work to slim down and tone a part of the body that you find most resistant to diet or exercise. The device is best when paired with the transformative effects of HRT which can help you lose stubborn weight and attain a more youthful figure. During the procedure, you should only expect minor tingling and contracting sensations as the electromagnetic waves travel through your tissues, and you will not require any downtime post-procedure. EmSculpt Neo is equipped with applicators designed to contour the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, calves, and upper arms. 

Cost of Hormone Replacement Therapy in San Jose 

Hormone Replacement Therapy Mountain View, San Jose and Carmel, CA

The cost of hormone replacement therapy will depend on your chosen HRT method (injections or pellet) and the length of your treatment overall. Some patients require comprehensive, long-term care and relief from the discomforts of hormonal imbalances, whereas others may need lower doses that resolve relatively minor issues. After thoroughly understanding your symptoms and conducting blood tests, your hormone specialist will be able to calculate the total costs associated with this therapy. 

We offer our patients a wide range of financing options with CareCredit, PatientFi, American Healthcare Lending, Alphaeon Credit, and GreenSky. Regardless of your financial situation, we will work with you to find an affordable plan. We invite you to call our practice nearest to you or request a consultation online, and we will let you know your next steps. We cannot wait to help you regain your energy and vitality with HRT. 

FAQ

What is the most effective form of HRT? 

All forms of HRT can be equally effective, depending on your condition. Still, injections and pellets administer a precise formulation of hormones directly into the body- there is no risk of it transferring onto other things, unlike topical treatments. It is important to only partake in FDA-approved, bioidentical hormones prescribed by a physician. 

Is HRT safe? 

HRT is a safe and effective treatment that should only be prescribed to those with a diagnosable hormonal deficiency or imbalance. Those going through the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause and andropause may benefit most. 

How long can I take HRT? 

HRT is safe for long-term use, so long as you still have a hormonal deficiency and symptoms related to it. 

References

  1. Singh P. Andropause: Current concepts. Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2013;17(9):621. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2230-8210.123552
  2. Delgado BJ, Lopez-Ojeda W. Estrogen. PubMed. Published 2023. Accessed October 19, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538260/#:~:text=Mechanism%20of%20Action  
  3. Yeap BB, Almeida OP, HydeZ, et al. In men older than 70 years, total testosterone remains stable while free testosterone declines with age. The Health in Men Study. European Journal of Endocrinology. 2007;156(5):585-594. doi:https://doi.org/10.1530/eje-06-0714 
  4. Shoskes JJ, Wilson MK, Spinner ML. Pharmacology of testosterone replacement therapy preparations. Translational Andrology and Urology. 2016;5(6):834-843. doi:https://doi.org/10.21037/tau.2016.07.10