Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women in Brentwood, TN

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

The female reproductive system is governed and regulated by hormones such as growth hormone, estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. As women age, these hormones decline and begin the process of menopause. Pre-menopause, also called perimenopause, typically begins in the mid-30s and 40s, while menopause typically happens in the 50s. Both pre-menopausal and menopausal symptoms may be so severe in some women that they profoundly affect her quality of life.

Many studies have demonstrated that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) assists in the regeneration of cells and overall improved health. Effective hormone replacement therapy provides men and women with a consistent and precise dose of hormones to continuously regulate and balance hormone levels in the body. Pellet therapy slowly and continuously releases bio-identical hormones into the body to maintain healthy hormone levels. 

Dr. Kensington specializes in safe and effective bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) using both Testosterone and Estradiol pellets. Bio-identical hormones behave in the body exactly as natural hormones, creating the same biological effects. Bioidentical Pellets have been used since the 1930’s and are the treatment preference due to their safety and efficacy. Pellet therapy slowly and continuously releases bio-identical hormones into the body to maintain healthy hormone levels. 

These symptoms may include: 

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Weight gain and loss of muscle mass

  • Irritability and mood swings

  • Vaginal dryness

  • Low sex drive or libido

  • Tenderness in the breasts

  • Dry, wrinkled skin

  • Loss of volume and elasticity in skin

  • Insomnia or difficulty sleeping

  • Severe depression or anxiety

  • Hot flashes

  • Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)

Why not creams/tablets?

In the past, conventional oral and transdermal hormone replacement therapy often produced “roller coaster” effects, or wildly fluctuating hormone levels that caused fluctuations in mood and energy levels. Additionally, oral Testosterone and Estrogen are broken down by the liver and can increase risk for blood clots, heart attack and strokes. Studies have shown that administering hormones under the skin have lower risks. It is for these reasons Our providers only uses bio-identical hormone pellet therapy, as it is the only method of hormone therapy that safely and effectively provides sustained and balanced hormone delivery throughout the day, for up to three to six months. 

Hormone Imbalance Strikes Even the Healthy

Women typically are more proactive when it comes to maintaining their health than men, who generally have a lower tendency to schedule yearly physicals or admit that they have a condition that should be addressed by a doctor. Yet when a hormone deficiency occurs, even the healthiest of women may experience confusion about what is happening to them physically and emotionally. Even women who are generally healthy and exercise regularly, who eat right and take regular supplements may suffer from hormone imbalance. Many women turn to their primary care physicians and gynecologists, who, unfortunately, often do not have the expertise, knowledge or experience to treat hormone imbalances appropriately, naturally and effectively.

A woman practicing yoga in a seated meditation pose with hands pressed together in front of her chest

How Hormones In Women Differ

Men and women differ significantly in their hormonal makeup, with hormonal imbalances or deficiencies producing a different set of challenges for both. Due to unique female sex hormones, an imbalance increases women’s risk of certain illnesses or conditions, such as osteoporosis. Some hormonal changes that affect women specifically are related to menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. These regular fluctuations in hormones may produce side effects, such as thinning hair, weight gain, and vaginal dryness.

Hormonal fluctuations can be overwhelming, and the first step to controlling their side effects is to inform yourself about their causes. Our providers will not only help you understand what causes your natural symptoms, but she will also help you to slow down the aging process and allow you to regain your youth and vitality by providing the appropriate therapy for your condition. Hormonal fluctuations caused by menopause and pregnancy may seem like unavoidable challenges in a woman’s life, but you can minimize their effects using safe, natural hormone therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women FAQs

  • A doctor who is inexperienced and/or uninformed regarding the benefits of hormone replacement therapy in women will not be capable of effectively treating the hormone related symptoms. Additionally, many physicians follow a more traditional western medicine model of practice.

    Many doctors simply prescribe medications (antidepressants, anti anxiety meds, etc.) to mask one or a group of these symptoms, without addressing the underlying causes. While this may alleviate symptoms temporarily, it doesn’t address the root of the problem.

    The best way to treat hormonal imbalance caused by aging or other means is via hormonal replacement therapy, which addresses the problem at its source.

  • Bio-identical hormones are hormones that are derived from natural plant sources, and that mimic the body’s natural hormones. Bio-identical hormones have become increasingly popular among the medical community thanks to their efficacy and safety.

    Despite the benefits and popularity of bio-identical hormones, many medical practices continue to prescribe synthetic hormones, which may not effectively address the underlying causes of symptoms. To ensure that our patients receive the hormones they need safely, with minimal risk of consequential health problems or side effects, New Life Physicians uses the highest quality bio-identical hormones in our practice. By using bio-identical hormones exclusively, our treatment plans mimic the natural process of hormone production in the female body, conquering the side effects of hormone deficiency once and for all.

  • There is still controversy over the safety of hormone replacement therapy, but much of the opposition is based on side effects caused by traditional synthetic hormones. There have not been enough substantial studies on bio-identical hormone replacement therapy to conclude that they are 100% risk-free in the United States. Many studies done in Europe show the efficacy and safety of BHRT but are not widely acknowledged in the US at this time.

    Through a comprehensive screening process, our providers at New Life Physicians will help you determine whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you. Thanks to our experience with these treatments, and superior understanding of the hormone replacement therapy process, we provide our patients a definitive diagnosis and develop the most effective treatment plan possible to address the symptoms of pre-menopause and menopause.

  • While the hormone replacement therapy treatment plans provided by New Life Physicians are extremely effective on their own, to enhance your overall results, we also recommend proper diet and exercise. When hormone replacement therapy is combined with the right combination of nutritional supplements, dietary changes, and exercise, women see restored youth and vitality, increased energy and improved emotional and mental health.

    Dr. Kensington has mastered the science of naturally replenishing critical hormones in order to address the symptoms of pre-menopause and menopause. Hormone replacement therapy for women helps women recover a more youthful appearance, while also helping them maintain a healthy libido, and reducing the risk of many debilitating illnesses and conditions that result from hormone imbalances or deficiencies.

    There is no simple, universal method of hormone replacement therapy that works for every woman, as each woman faces her own unique set of challenges. Dr. Kensington provides a thorough evaluation of every female patient and based on their individual results, builds a personalized treatment plan that is tailor-made specifically for them.

    Women’s quality of life may be adversely affected by hormone imbalances and deficiencies. If you’d like to know more about hormone replacement therapy for women, consider the expertise of Dr. Kensington of New Life Physicians. As a regenerative and restorative medicine doctor, Dr. Kensington provides safe, natural solutions to address hormone imbalances in women residing in Nashville, Franklin and the surrounding communities of Tennessee. Contact our Brentwood office today to schedule your consultation.

  • Pellet therapy uses hormones derived from natural plant sources to restore the body’s normal hormone levels. The pellets themselves are smaller than a grain of rice and are inserted into the fatty tissue beneath the skin to closely mimic the function of healthy ovaries and testicles as they continuously release hormones into the bloodstream. Implants, inserted beneath the skin, consistently release small, physiologic doses of hormones that keep the body’s hormonal supplies in a healthy balance. Patients report that bio-identical hormone replacement therapy with pellet implants is extremely effective at relieving the majority of symptoms associated with hormonal deficiency and imbalance.

    In the past, conventional oral and transdermal hormone replacement therapy often produced “roller coaster” effects, or wildly fluctuating hormone levels that caused fluctuations in mood and energy levels. Medical hormone pellet therapy is the only method of hormone therapy that provides sustained and balanced hormone delivery throughout the day, for up to three to six months depending on whether you are male or female, without the “roller coaster” effect. Since the hormones used in pellet therapy are completely natural and mimic the body’s own hormone production, this treatment is ideal for patients who want the benefits of a natural hormone, without the side effects of fluctuating hormone therapy.

    When compared to conventional hormone replacement therapy, pellets have consistently proved more effective for relief of menopausal symptoms, restoration of bone density, improvement of sleep patterns and returned interest in sex, as well as improved sexual response and performance. It also has been shown to offer relief from symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, mood swings and many other conditions. Pellet implants are effective in treating migraine and hormone-related headaches, as well as vaginal dryness, incontinence, urinary urgency and frequency and other conditions. Moreover, hundreds of studies have demonstrated that maintaining healthy and natural levels of testosterone protect against breast cancer, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s, dementia and many other conditions

  • Pellet therapy has been in use since 1935 Europe and the 1950’s in the United States, and there is plenty of evidence to support the long-term safety and benefits of hormone therapy using pellet implants. Bio-identical hormone pellet therapy is currently being administered safely to women and men in five continents, and has been studied for over 80 years, not only to determine safety and efficacy, but to study its role in the prevention of diseases, such as breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s dementia, Type 2 diabetes and many others. Hormone replacement via pellet therapy delivers consistent doses of bio-identical hormones in a method that is not only safe and effective but also convenient and affordable relative to other delivery methods. For residents of Nashville, Franklin or the surrounding areas of Tennessee who want to learn more about hormone replacement using pellet therapy, contact our Brentwood office to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

  • Effects of Hormone Loss

    Hormone deficiencies have been shown to contribute to many of the conditions that result from the natural aging process, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, fatigue, decreased muscle strength, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, cognitive decline, increased cholesterol levels, loss of libido, depression and some types of cancers. Some younger individuals may have hormone deficiencies or imbalances that are caused by hypothalamic-pituitary dysfunction, endocrine gland failure, hormone resistance or metabolic disorders.

    Women are more affected by hormonal disorders because their complex hormonal system is affected by menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation, as well as perimenopause and menopause. Women also have a much higher incidence of thyroid and cortisol insufficiency that may contribute to fatigue, aches, anxiety, depression, allergies and autoimmune diseases.

    Progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone are three sex hormones that are crucial when considering hormone optimization. Nearly 200 hormones and hormone-like substances flow silently through our bodies daily, secreted by nine major endocrine glands (adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid, ovaries, testes, hypothalamus, pancreas, thymus, pituitary, pineal) and other organs. These hormones affect every cell in the body and affect whether you feel hot or cold, hungry or full, calm or stressed, alert or sleepy, and naughty or nice. Hormones are also crucial to building bone tissue, regulating menstrual cycles and many other essential functions.

Estrogen Replacement Therapy

Estrogen deficiency causes a wide array of symptoms in women, including mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss, reduction in skin elasticity and even dental problems. As a regenerative and restorative medicine specialist in estrogen replacement therapy, Dr. Kensington provides women in Nashville, Franklin and surrounding areas in Tennessee treatments that address symptoms and conditions related to estrogen deficiency at her Brentwood office.

Close-up of a smiling woman with long curly hair wearing a wide-brimmed hat and earrings, outdoors in a natural setting during sunset.

  • Why Estrogen Replacement Therapy is Used

    Estrogen replacement therapy increases estrogen levels in postmenopausal women, as well as women who have undergone a hysterectomy. Estrogen replacement therapy may prevent colon cancer, osteoporosis, and perimenopausal symptoms.

    Women between the ages of 20 and 49 may enter early menopause if their ovaries or uterus have been removed, or due to other medical reasons. Estrogen replacement therapy may be administered to decrease their chances of developing osteoporosis and early onset bone loss. These women have traditionally continued estrogen therapy after reaching the normal age for menopause, but a growing number are now continuing estrogen therapy at the onset of natural menopause to reduce or stop unwanted symptoms.

    Women who still have their uterus and use estrogen replacement therapy require a hormone called progesterone for the prevention of endometrial or uterine cancer and estrogen dominance. This balanced hormone treatment keeps estrogen from adversely affecting the lining of the uterus.

    How Well Estrogen Replacement Therapy Works

    Estrogen therapy affects the entire body, reversing symptoms caused by estrogen deficiency, including:

    • Improved moods and sleep patterns

    • Reduced severity and frequency of “hot flashes”

    • Restored vaginal moisture, easing irritation

    • Decreased bone loss and increased bone density, helping to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis

    • Increased quantities of skin collagen that normally declines with age, which restores firmness and elasticity to skin tissue

    • Decreased risk of developing dental problems, such as periodontitis and tooth loss

    Low-Dose Estrogen

    Low-dose estrogen therapy is now being widely studied. This therapy may ease hot flashes and maintain bone density, however, its long-term side effects are still unknown.

    Estrogen replacement therapy relieves a variety of symptoms caused by estrogen deficiency. As a specialist in estrogen replacement therapy, Dr. Kensington understands how to safely and effectively treat hormone deficiencies to restore a natural balance in your body. If you live in Nashville, Franklin or the surrounding areas of Tennessee, contact our Brentwood office today to schedule your personal consultation.

    Estrogen Therapy is not recommended for women who:

    • Are currently pregnant

    • Have been diagnosed with a chronically impaired liver or active liver disease

    • Suffer from vaginal bleeding that is unexplained

    • Have a history of endometrial, breast or ovarian cancer

    • Smoke

    • Have a history of blood clots or strokes

    Dr. Kensington can help you determine whether the benefits of estrogen therapy outweigh the risks if you have a history of stroke, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer or blood clots.

  • Estrogen dominance refers to a condition in which a woman may have deficient, normal or excessive estrogen levels, but has insufficient progesterone levels to balance it in the body. This hormonal imbalance may cause toxic fat accumulation, water retention, bloating and a host of other health issues.

    What Causes Estrogen Dominance?

    Estrogen dominance may be caused by several causes. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), birth control pills, environmental estrogens, plant estrogens, stress, obesity, poor liver function, perimenopause and glandular dysfunction all contribute to estrogen dominance.

    Estrogens are present everywhere in our environment, from foods we eat to chemicals that are present everywhere in our daily life. Estrogen mimickers in the form of food/plants (phytoestrogens) and chemicals (xenoestrogens) may replicate the action of estrogen produced in human cells, altering your body’s hormonal balance. Exposure to xenoestrogens poses a risk for everyone, but individuals with an estrogen dominance condition should especially avoid exposure to xenoestrogens.

    Estrogen Dominance in Women

    Estrogen dominance generally occurs when a body produces too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. This imbalance can cause a host of health problems and conditions including the following:

    • Breast tenderness

    • Decreased sex drive

    • Depression, anxiety, and irritability

    • Fatigue

    • Fibrocystic breasts

    • Irregular menstrual periods

    • Headaches

    • Insomnia

    • Mood Swings / PMS

    • Water retention and bloating

    • Weight gain

    • Hair loss

    • Acceleration of the aging process

    • Fat gain around hips and thighs

    • Polycystic ovaries

    • Memory loss and foggy thinking

    • Thyroid dysfunction

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