Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that supplements essential hormones after their decline.

Regain Balance with HRT for Menopause and Andropause by Dr. Joshua Korman

When experiencing menopause, women face many frustrating symptoms which include hot flashes, mood swings, and weight gain due to a decline in the sex hormone estrogen. For men, andropause (the so-called “male menopause”), slows the production of testosterone which can lead to symptoms such as sexual dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, and decreased energy. HRT replenishes these hormones to help regulate the body and maintain balance, leading to relief from these symptoms and enhanced quality of life. Dr. Joshua Korman provides comprehensive care for all of his patients in four locations on the Central Coast of California. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Korman is a professional and accomplished physician who treats his patients with compassion. If you are experiencing age-related hormonal imbalance, please don’t hesitate to schedule a private consultation at one of our locations today.

Why Choose Dr. Korman?

Dr. Korman has an elite training background and over 20 years of cosmetic expertise, providing patients with outstanding care in a state-of-the-art practice setting.

Throughout his career, he has garnered numerous professional accolades, including being named a “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly for seven years in a row. He is a frequently-requested contributor to well-known media outlets and publications, including ABC’s “20/20”, CNN, The New York Times, and Ebony Magazine. Currently, Dr. Korman serves as Adjunct Clinical Professor of Surgery at Stanford University’s School of Medicine, a testament to his innovative techniques and unwavering commitment to patient safety.

Dr. Korman is known for inspiring the next generation of physicians through courses and programs sponsored by globally renowned plastic surgery organizations. As a humanitarian, Dr. Korman traveled the world providing much-needed aesthetic services to underserved populations. He is also a masterful inventor and technological pioneer who holds multiple patents in the field of tissue expansion and skin remodeling.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause and andropause can lead to a variety of symptoms that impact both physical and emotional well-being. It’s essential to recognize that hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of the aging process and can impact individuals differently. With tailored HRT, patients can find relief. Through personalized treatment plans and therapies tailored to each patient’s unique needs, it is possible to manage symptoms effectively and promote hormonal equilibrium during these transformative life stages.

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

HRT is a versatile treatment that helps regulate and increase hormone levels through either medical injection or pellet treatment plans. The treatment focuses on estrogen or testosterone production upkeep to assist patients through menopause and andropause respectively.

HRT For Women

Menopause heralds a significant hormonal shift in a woman’s life. Once it starts, the ovaries no longer produce the normal amounts of estrogen and progestogen (a molecule similar to progesterone). These hormones regulate the female reproductive system, a part of the body that starts to drastically change during menopause.

After a patient’s menstrual cycle has been continuously absent for one year, they have entered menopause. During this transition period, patients may start to experience the effects of getting older, including hot flashes and irregular mood swings. HRT can help curb these symptoms and get you back on track. HRT also contributes to preserving bone density, reducing the risk of fractures, and bolstering skeletal integrity.

HRT For Men

For male patients, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) replaces reduced testosterone during a phase of aging called andropause. In contrast to menopause development and onset, andropause is typically slow to show symptoms in patients. Testosterone decline is often very gradual and can be protracted, decreasing close to 1% each year after males turn 30.

Much like the uterus, testicular function starts to dissipate as a patient ages, leading to a decrease in testosterone and other related hormones. The most common effects felt by patients going through andropause are a noticeable decrease in muscle mass, body hair, and libido. Many patients also experience increased depression levels and reduced energy, making a negative impact on their daily lives both physically and mentally. For men experiencing androgen deficiency, TRT works to alleviate these symptoms and can even reverse them for the right patient.

Schedule Your Consultation

Benefits Of HRT

For those going through menopause or andropause, HRT can improve the following symptoms:

Hot flashes
Excessive sweating
Insomnia
Age-related anxiety
Mood swings
Hair loss
Bone loss
Foggy memory
Weight gain
Sexual dysfunction

Who Is A Candidate For HRT?

Ideal candidates for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) are individuals seeking to restore balance in their hormone levels. This includes menopausal women, perimenopausal individuals, postmenopausal women, and men with low testosterone levels. There are certain health prerequisites necessary for HRT, so it is vital to attend a consultation with a qualified professional to ensure the treatment is a good fit.
For more information about hormone replacement therapy and other useful treatments available at our practice, read Dr. Korman’s blog.

Your Personal Consultation With Dr. Korman

Your private consultation with Dr. Korman will cover your medical history, symptoms, and medical desires regarding hormone regulation. He will inquire about your current medications, and order the necessary blood tests and examinations to determine whether HRT will work to your benefit.

If HRT is suitable for you, Dr. Korman will go over your health plan. You will choose between intravenous (injection) or subdermal pellet treatments. The results of your blood tests will help him create your specific treatments and HRT schedule.

HRT Procedure Plan

Dr. Korman administers hormone replacement therapy as either injections or pellet medications. If taken intravenously, he schedules your visits in measured increments to allow the hormones to take effect, and regulate your progress. Pellet therapy uses tiny, highly concentrated hormone pellets about the size of a grain of rice. After they are inserted into a fatty portion of the body like the hip or buttocks, they gradually release a continuous supply of hormones into the bloodstream.

We monitor you closely throughout HRT to ensure you stay on track and your hormones stay regulated. To make sure your hormone therapy is working optimally, we schedule several follow-up appointments throughout treatment.

Recovery & Results

As your hormone levels increase, you may notice changes in mood and sexual function and drive. Most patients start to notice subtle changes in strength and memory after the first or second month of treatment. An increase in energy can often be felt quickly, allowing patients to get back to doing the things that they love. Some patients do not notice the results of HRT for a while after they start treatments.

Depending on how they are metabolized, it may take some time for the hormones to take effect. Others may notice a reduction in symptoms quickly, especially if they have been experiencing them for a long period prior to HRT. Dr. Korman determines how long you continue treatment by closely following your progress.

Complementary Procedure: Emsculpt Neo

Emsculpt Neo is a non-invasive combination treatment designed to reduce excess fat and build muscle in one procedure. It uses radiofrequency and focused electromagnetic energy to stimulate muscle contraction and fat burning. Emsculpt Neo does all the work of high-intensity exercise without the workout. To induce muscle contractions, Emsculpt Neo uses high-intensity focused electromagnetic energy (HIFEM). This technology causes involuntary muscle stimulation that leads to muscle hypertrophy (growth) without heavy lifting or intense exercise.

For patients undergoing HRT, this treatment is extremely useful to gain muscle and safely strengthen the body. It is especially beneficial if you are someone who cannot participate in rigorous exercise but requires increased strength to lead a healthy life.

How Much Does HRT Cost In The Greater Bay Area?

The cost of hormone replacement therapy varies between patients and their specific needs. During your private consultation with Dr. Korman, he will explain your estimated costs and treatment details so you can feel prepared and confident before starting HRT.
Schedule your first appointment with him today by filling out our contact form or calling our offices in San Jose, Mountain View, Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Los Altos.

Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQ

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of HRT?

What Must I Do If My Symptoms Return After Starting HRT?

Is There A Preferred Time To Start HRT For Patients?

What Happens To Testosterone As You Get Older?

Can HRT Improve Quality Of Life?

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of HRT?

Women may experience some irregular spotting during HRT. Some patients have tenderness in the breasts, headaches, and continued mood swings. Increased testosterone or estrogen can lead to tiredness, weight gain, or memory problems.

What Must I Do If My Symptoms Return After Starting HRT?

Your physician monitors you very closely to regulate your dosage and prevent your symptoms from returning. If you notice anything irregular, notify him quickly to reassess your treatment plan.

Is There A Preferred Time To Start HRT For Patients?

The best time to start HRT is during your transition into menopause and andropause. It can safely be implemented after a patient has been in that stage of life for a while already but loses some of the beneficial effects if started later into menopause or andropause. Your doctor will explain exactly how it can benefit you during your consultation.

What Happens To Testosterone As You Get Older?

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age in men, leading to symptoms associated with andropause such as fatigue, reduced muscle mass, and diminished libido. Monitoring testosterone levels through blood tests and considering hormone replacement therapy when indicated can help address the effects of declining testosterone levels in men.

Can HRT Improve Quality Of Life?

By addressing hormonal deficiencies and alleviating associated symptoms, HRT can significantly enhance a person’s quality of life. Many patients report feeling more energetic, focused, and motivated after starting hormone replacement therapy.

References

Harper-Harrison G, Shanahan MM. Hormone replacement therapy. National Library of Medicine. Published May 30, 2019. Accessed November 13, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493191/
Brawer MK. Testosterone Replacement in Men with Andropause: An Overview. Reviews in Urology. 2004;6(Suppl 6):S9-S15. Accessed February 19, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472881/
Swanson E. A Systematic Review of Electromagnetic Treatments for Body Contouring. Annals of Plastic Surgery. 2022;90(2):180-188. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/sap.0000000000003387

Hormone Replacement Therapy

Regain Balance with HRT for Menopause and Andropause by Dr. Joshua Korman

Why Choose Dr. Korman?

What Is Hormonal Imbalance?

What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

HRT For Women

HRT For Men

Schedule Your Consultation

Benefits Of HRT

Who Is A Candidate For HRT?

Your Personal Consultation With Dr. Korman

HRT Procedure Plan

Recovery & Results

Complementary Procedure: Emsculpt Neo

How Much Does HRT Cost In The Greater Bay Area?

Hormone Replacement Therapy FAQ

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of HRT?

What Must I Do If My Symptoms Return After Starting HRT?

Is There A Preferred Time To Start HRT For Patients?

What Happens To Testosterone As You Get Older?

Can HRT Improve Quality Of Life?

References

Dolce Vita, Live Life WellSchedule Your Consultation