In the 1960s, Robert Anton Wilson, a futurist and psychologist, wrote in his book, Feminine Forever, that menopause was a hormone deficiency that could be cured with estrogen. The publication introduced the concept behind hormone replacement therapy (HRT), suggesting that women could live more comfortably and healthily into old age.
A 2002 clinical study showed that HRT caused more harm than good, and the findings were widely publicized. Alarming to both patients and physicians, fear spread and HRT use dropped. Since then, HRT has developed from a controversial idea to an impactful opportunity for women and men alike. But how did this shift happen?
Researchers’ understanding of hormones has grown immensely during this time, encouraging providers to offer this transformative treatment option to patients. At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we’re proud to be among them, providing our patients with unimaginable relief using HRT in Mason.
Explore the latest medical insights, why the safety conversation has changed, and how we tailor your treatment protocol at our clinic.
Begin familiarizing yourself with HRT by watching this informative video featuring Dr. Amy Brenner discussing the treatment.
Is HRT Right for You?
While HRT is commonly used to treat menopause in women, most adults can gain from it, regardless of gender. When properly administered, HRT offers many benefits and creates few risks, making it an advantageous treatment for nearly everyone.
However, people with hormone imbalances or serious deficiencies will experience the greatest benefits. Men and women should be aware of distinct signs that could indicate a hormonal imbalance.
For men, hormonal imbalance can look like:
- Fatigue
- Exercise intolerance
- Inability to gain muscle
- Issues with erections
- Decreased libido
- Mood and sleep issues
- Weight gain
For women, hormonal imbalance can look like:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreased libido
- Issues with orgasm
- Joint pain
- Weight gain
- Fatigue
Keep in mind that while HRT is widely beneficial, you must collaborate with a trusted medical professional for guidance. This is because some medical conditions might disqualify you from HRT.
HRT may not be right for you if you:
- Are pregnant or trying to conceive.
- Have undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Have a history of breast cancer.
Even if you fit one of these descriptions, we recommend consulting one of our providers. Because everyone is unique, we tailor our guidance based on a wide variety of factors.
Besides addressing an array of common symptoms, HRT can also benefit those invested in their overall wellness and longevity. The medical community is newly interested in re-educating people and doctors about HRT, largely because of discoveries about its benefits beyond symptom relief.
The Changing Conversation Around HRT: The Benefits No One Told You About
The way the medical community talks about HRT has changed dramatically in the past 2 decades. Back in 2002, the Women’s Health Initiative released findings that linked hormone therapy to a higher risk of breast cancer, heart attack, and stroke. Understandably, they halted the study early, and HRT fell out of favor with most people.
As more data emerged, researchers realized that the original concerns were overstated. Later studies showed that the risks, particularly around cancer, were much lower than once believed. This is especially true when treatment is carefully prescribed and monitored. It turns out that for many patients, the benefits of HRT far outweigh the risks.
Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken notice and worked to re-educate the public. Current FDA commissioner, Dr. Marty Makary, has been outspoken about the “incredible potential health benefits” of HRT that have been withheld from millions of women because of outdated medical opinions.
He’s called for a renewed focus on safe, individualized care that adjusts the therapy for each patient’s unique needs. Today, rather than fearing hormones, more and more providers recognize them as a safe, effective option for both women and men.
Emerging Benefits of HRT
Beyond relieving common symptoms, HRT offers a range of long-term health benefits. Research shows that bioidentical hormones can reduce the risk of many chronic conditions, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
- Breast cancer
At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we see many patients who aren’t experiencing noticeable symptoms but are interested in optimizing their health and promoting longevity. HRT has been associated with improvements in cardiovascular health, including better lipid profiles, and studies show a reduced risk of all-cause mortality for women on hormone therapy.
These emerging benefits highlight that HRT is more than a treatment for menopause or low testosterone. It’s a forward-thinking method for lasting wellness, aiding patients’ current comfort and future health.
Safety and Effectiveness of HRT Today
Medical researchers have made considerable progress in our comprehension of hormones and their effects. As a result, we’ve made many strides in how we administer HRT in Mason to make it more reliable.
Assessment & Lab Work
Modern HRT is safer and more effective due to more precise prescription and monitoring. At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, ensuring patients tolerate their medication well is the top priority. Every treatment begins with a thorough assessment, including detailed lab work to evaluate your hormone levels and overall health.
Evidence-Based Prescribing Protocols
Our providers follow evidence-based protocols to tailor HRT to each individual. This includes selecting the right hormone type, dosage, and delivery method. These decisions will depend on both your lab results and preferences.
Ongoing Monitoring & Follow-Up
Continuous monitoring is critical to maintaining safety and effectiveness. Regular follow-ups allow our team to adjust doses as needed, track symptom improvement, and address any concerns promptly.
Personalized Care
Our individualized approach minimizes risks while maximizing benefits, helping patients experience improved energy, mood, and overall health. With careful assessment, tailored dosing, and ongoing monitoring, HRT today offers a transformative option for improved symptoms and wellness.
Treatment Available at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates
At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we offer several forms of HRT in Mason designed to match each patient’s needs and goals. For women, bioidentical hormone therapy can restore estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone to levels that mirror the natural balance of their 20s. For men, we use testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to address symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, and loss of muscle mass.
Delivery Methods
We provide multiple administration options for HRT, including pellets, creams, patches, and injections. This way, you can choose the delivery method that best fits your lifestyle.
Complementary Therapies
Beyond hormones, we can further enhance your HRT in Mason with peptide therapy to support cellular repair and recovery. We also offer NAD+ therapy to boost your energy, mental clarity, and health resilience. Together, these treatments create a comprehensive approach to restoring balance and vitality.
From Normal to Optimal: A Better Way to Balance Hormones
One of the biggest differences in how we approach HRT at Amy Brenner, MD & Associates is how we define “normal” hormone levels. Traditional medicine often measures hormone levels against what’s considered an average standard for your age and gender. However, average doesn’t always equal ideal.
So, a 50-year-old’s hormone levels may be labeled average because they fall within the average range of other 50-year-olds. But if that individual is experiencing fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and low libido, clearly they need support, and all signs point to a hormone imbalance.
Instead, we aim for optimal levels, which is why you might occasionally hear HRT referred to as hormone optimization. The range we aim for is one that’s unique to every person, where hormones promote energy, mood, mental clarity, sexual health, and long-term wellness. Therefore, individuals sharing similar demographics and lab results might need distinct treatment approaches based on their symptoms and objectives.
Our Individualized Approach in Action
Let’s imagine a woman in her mid-40s who visited us, explaining that her hormone tests from other doctors came back normal. However, she’s experiencing constant exhaustion, irritability, and weight changes. If we had to guess, her hormone levels match the average for her demographic, but they don’t match the balance where she naturally feels best.
After altering her levels with HRT in Mason according to our most informed prediction, we can then gauge how she feels at a different balance. If she regains energy, focus, and mood stability, we know we’ve found her optimal balance. If not, we will carefully modify her HRT dosage until we discover the ideal levels for her.
By restoring patients to their personal best, rather than settling for averages, we help improve their quality of life.
Explore Safe, Modern HRT With Amy Brenner, MD & Associates
From being viewed with caution to being recognized for its safety and wide-ranging benefits, hormone replacement therapy has come a long way. The FDA, along with leading medical experts, now emphasizes individualized care and the significant health advantages HRT can provide.
At Amy Brenner, MD & Associates, we are at the forefront of HRT’s development, providing this groundbreaking treatment to our patients earlier and more effectively than conventional doctors. If you’re considering HRT in Mason, our team is here to guide you safely and effectively toward improved health and vitality.
