Women and men ages 40+ may benefit from HRT. This is around the age that we begin to produce less of the sex hormones that keep us well-regulated. If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause or aging, you may benefit from HRT.

Because of the breadth of effects caused by decreased production of sex hormones, there may be many signs that you could benefit from HRT. The most common symptoms in women include but are not limited to moderate to severe hot flashes, vaginal dryness or irritation and decreased bone density. 

In men, the most common symptoms we see include new onset of symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, difficulty sleeping, headaches, dry skin or rashes, changes in temperature sensitivity, weak bones and others.

If you are experiencing more than one symptom or your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, we recommend scheduling a test kit and a Hormone Consultation.

HRT has higher costs associated with starting treatment as your doctor or specialist may order blood tests, saliva tests, urine tests, or other examinations. At Cornerstone Pharmacy and Compounding, our hormone consultations are $75, testing services are usually betwen $195 to $300, and our hormone treatments typically cost $40 to $80 a month. Ongoing checkups will be required to ensure the best, individualized care.

The first steps to determining if HRT may benefit you is to take a saliva or urine test and schedule a Hormone Consultation if you are struggling with any of the listed symptoms or if you have goals for your overall health.

From there, we will work with you one-on-one to review your hormone test results, health goals, medical history and concerns to ensure HRT is a good solution for you. Then, we will work with your doctor or a reputable clinic to secure an HRT prescription. To ensure specialized care, we will schedule ongoing checkups to see how your treatment plan is going and work with your doctor to make any necessary adjustments.

Women, if experiencing early menopausal symptoms, can start HRT as early as age 40. We typically treat women in their mid-40s, or if they are experiencing disruptive menopausal symptoms. 

No, you must see a doctor to obtain a prescription to start HRT. 

In the body, almost all hormones circulating in the bloodstream are bound to carrier proteins. Unlike blood-based tests, saliva diagnostics can measure the amount of free, unbound hormones that are available to act in the body. Salivary concentrations represent the hormone levels that are most likely to impact the body. By measuring these levels, providers can determine which hormones are available and present in excess and where there may be a deficiency.

Saliva tests for hormone levels are non-invasive and stress-free. A patient simply spits into a sterile test tube which is sent to a lab for analysis. Saliva sampling must be done correctly, but today’s collection devices make it easy, and patients can collect samples during the day or night as needed to establish an accurate baseline and measure changes in hormones throughout the day or throughout the month.