Hormone Treatments in New Braunfels, TX

Hormone therapy for women at the Caring Center for Women in New Braunfels, TX comprises of blood hormone testing and an examination of the symptoms with one of our trusted doctors on staff. We provide thorough gynecological care for women of all ages, especially for the transition from perimenopause to postmenopause. Women over the age of 40 should consider hormone level testing if they have missed periods or experienced vaginal dryness, pain during sexual intercourse, hot flashes, and sleepless nights. Initial testing focuses on evaluating estrogen levels and controlling symptoms. You can expect:

• A discussion of medical records, family medical history, and sexual history
• A pregnancy test (as needed)
• A pelvic exam
• A blood test
• Diagnostic imaging (as needed)

During the first visit, you will meet with one of our five highly qualified board-certified obstetrician-gynecologists (Drs. Teresa Irwin, Barrett Blaue, Kari Fay, Beth Reid, and Brittney Schumann, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.) plus one board-eligible obstetrician-gynecologist (Dr. Lauren Hermann). This initial meeting will also determine what additional testing is necessary if other conditions need to be ruled out. We look forward to seeing you at your consultation and helping you through this life stage with balance.

Women will begin to see a change in regularity in their menstrual cycles after 40. Perimenopause is the transition time when you start to notice hot flashes, months in between periods, mood changes, vaginal dryness, and some sleeplessness. Your symptoms will come and go as your estrogen levels rise and fall. Menopause is the year between having a sporadic period to the final period.

If after a year that you have not had a period, you can consider yourself in the final stages of menopause. You may experience an occasional symptom of menopause and we can help guide you through the transition in this final stage.

While hormone replacement therapy is not meant to be used long term, you will still need to manage your treatments for a few years (approximately less than 5). At the Caring Center for Women, we prescribe hormone pills, patches, creams, and suppositories depending on the stage of menopause you are in and your natural hormone levels.

Women commonly take daily oral medications (pills) for estrogen replacement therapy. Your doctor may prescribe medications like Premarin.

Estrogen replacement therapy can be delivered through a patch placed on the skin. This sometimes easier than taking a daily medication orally. It is very important to watch for the warning signs of a blood clot as patches have a higher risk of developing a blood clot.

Applied to the skin of the arms or legs, hormone replacement creams carry the hormones directly into the bloodstream. Creams may work better for women who have trouble with the side effects of oral medications. 

Inserted directly into the vagina, a hormone suppository can be applied directly where you are affected the most by menopause. With vaginal dryness, itching, painful sexual intercourse, and atrophy, suppositories may be a great solution to directly impact your symptoms with an uninterrupted application.

There is a high risk of exposing your loved ones (even your pets) to hormones when you apply hormone replacement creams on your skin. After application, you should make sure that it is dry before hugging, touching, or holding your family member or beloved pet. You will give them part of your dosage as they can absorb it through their skin as well. 

Call and schedule your appointment today to start managing some of the symptoms of menopause. We will provide you with diagnostic testing and take an assessment of the symptoms you are experiencing. The information collected will provide your doctor with valuable information essential to prescribing the right dosage to assist in this transitional life stage.