What it is

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) restores hormones that have dropped with age: estrogen and progesterone for women in perimenopause and menopause, and testosterone for men with confirmed low levels.

At Blue Harbor Medical & Aesthetics, treatment starts with a full history and lab work. Olivia Carter, MD, is a family physician who has completed extensive continuing education through The Menopause Society.

Why it helps

Falling hormone levels cause real symptoms, and replacing the missing hormone treats the cause instead of each symptom one at a time.

  • Women: hot flashes, night sweats, broken sleep, brain fog, mood changes, vaginal dryness, low libido and midlife weight gain.
  • Men: fatigue, low sex drive, erectile changes, loss of muscle, increased belly fat and low mood.

Benefits for women

  • The most effective treatment available for hot flashes and night sweats.
  • Better sleep, and for many women better mood and concentration.
  • Relief of vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.
  • Protection against bone loss and fractures.
  • The balance of benefit and risk is best for women under 60 or within 10 years of their last period.

Risks for women

  • Blood clots and stroke. The risk is small and is lower with patches and gels than with pills.
  • Breast cancer. A small increase in risk with long-term combined estrogen and progestogen therapy.
  • Uterine cancer if estrogen is taken without a progestogen by a woman who still has her uterus. We prescribe both when needed.
  • Gallbladder disease, mainly with oral estrogen.
  • Side effects: breast tenderness, bloating, headaches and irregular bleeding, usually early on.

HRT is generally not recommended after breast cancer, a prior blood clot, stroke or heart attack, with active liver disease, or with unexplained vaginal bleeding.

Benefits for men

  • Improved sex drive and, for some men, erectile function.
  • More energy and better mood.
  • Gains in muscle and bone density, and less body fat.

Risks for men

  • Thickened blood (a high red blood cell count), which raises clot risk and is checked with regular labs.
  • Reduced fertility. Testosterone lowers sperm production, so it is not for men trying to conceive.
  • Acne, oily skin, breast tenderness and smaller testicles.
  • Worsening of untreated sleep apnea.
  • Prostate monitoring is needed during treatment.

Testosterone is prescribed only when symptoms and repeat morning lab tests both confirm low levels.

Book a consultation

Ready to explore treatment options for your hormones? Book your consult today.

Call 207-264-8128 or email info@blueharbormedical.com. We are at 79 Elm Street, Camden, Maine, and see HRT patients throughout Maine including Camden, Lincolnville, Augusta, Bangor, Portland, Hope, Bangor, Bath, Thomaston. Telehealth services available.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Treatment is offered only after an evaluation determines it is appropriate for you. Individual results vary.