Tips for Evaluating Hormone Therapy Providers in Richmond VA

Learn what questions to ask to ensure you find quality hormone therapy in Richmond VA

Whether it is menopause for women or andropause for men, age-related hormone decline brings many unwelcome changes. You may find your appearance, your energy levels, your sex life, your memory, and your overall health all suffering. The good news is, age-related hormone decline can be corrected. However, you must be careful to choose a quality treatment program that can balance your hormones safely and effectively, without causing side effects or putting your health at risk.

Here are some key questions you should ask to help choose the best hormone therapy in Richmond VA.

Who Will Oversee Treatment?

Hormone replacement requires considerable expertise. You want to be sure your treatment will be overseen by a board-certified doctor who will meet with you personally, listen to you describe your unique symptoms, answer your questions, and stay involved in your treatment as it progresses.

Which Hormones Will Be Addressed?

Some providers offer just estrogen for women or just testosterone for men. This is not only ineffective; it can also be dangerous. It is important to address all the hormones related to symptoms of aging—such as thyroid, DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, growth hormone, and of course estrogen and testosterone—in order to provide optimal symptom relief and avoid side effects. Note that this may require steps to reduce certain hormones while replacing others.

What Kind of Hormones Are Used?

For certain hormones, both synthetic and bioidentical forms are available. Bioidentical is always the preferred choice because bioidentical hormones fit the hormone receptors in your body better than synthetics. The slight chemical differences in synthetic hormones mean they are not always absorbed properly, which can lead to side effects including cancer. The synthetic version of progesterone is particularly dangerous.

How Are Dosages Determined?

One-size-fits-all dosages are not appropriate for hormone replacement in Richmond VA. Instead, dosages should be based on your lab results and your symptoms. Your doctor should work with you to figure out the right dosages that will bring your hormones to the spot within the healthy range where you feel your best.

What Delivery Methods Are Used?

Delivery methods matter a lot in hormone replacement therapy in Richmond VA. For example, taking estrogen or testosterone orally has been linked to serious health risks. The safest and most effective way to deliver estrogen is topically, while for testosterone it is via injection.

Will There Be Ongoing Monitoring?

Some treatment providers will see you once to prescribe your hormones and then leave you on your own. This could put your health at risk because your body chemistry will change during treatment. It is important to have ongoing monitoring including routine lab testing to ensure your dosages remain safe and appropriate.

Renew Youth Offers Safe and Effective Hormone Therapy in Richmond VA

Renew Youth’s treatment program is based on nearly 20 years of experience in the field of better aging. In addition to providing personalized hormone therapy in Richmond VA that includes numerous safeguards for your health—including those highlighted in this article—we also offer other services to support the effectiveness of your treatment and help you look and feel your best. To learn more, contact us today.