Why Personalization Matters
Hormone therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Two people can have the same lab values but experience completely different symptoms. That is why at Valley Medical Weight Loss & Med Spa we focus on listening, gathering complete information, and creating an individualized plan that evolves with your needs over time.
The North American Menopause Society emphasizes that therapy should be individualized by type, dose, route, and timing, with regular reassessment to keep care safe and effective (NAMS).
The Evaluation Process
When you come in for a hormone consultation, the evaluation is comprehensive.
Symptom Timeline
We start by discussing when your symptoms began, how they have changed, and which ones affect your daily life the most. For women, this might include hot flashes, poor sleep, or brain fog. For men, it may be low libido, fatigue, or muscle loss.
Medical and Family History
Your history provides critical context. We ask about cardiovascular disease, blood clots, breast or prostate cancer, migraines, liver disease, pregnancy plans, and medications. This helps us identify risks and design a safe treatment plan.
Physical Examination
We review vitals and sometimes body composition, as changes in weight, fat distribution, and blood pressure can reflect hormone shifts.
Laboratory Testing
Labs are guided by your needs. They may include estradiol, progesterone, total and free testosterone, SHBG, thyroid markers, fasting glucose, lipid panels, and other markers when appropriate. Thyroid antibodies, for example, can detect Hashimoto’s thyroiditis even before thyroid hormone levels fall (American Thyroid Association).
Shared Decision-Making
Treatment is never a top-down decision. We work with you to weigh risks and benefits, consider your preferences, and match therapy to your goals. This shared approach aligns with national guidelines for both men and women (PubMed).
Why Route of Administration Matters
The way hormones are delivered can significantly impact both safety and effectiveness.
- Oral Estrogen: Passes through the liver first and is linked with a higher risk of blood clots in certain populations (ACOG).
- Transdermal Estrogen: Delivered by patch, gel, or spray. Observational studies show a lower risk of clotting events compared to oral forms (Lippincott Journals).
- Vaginal Estradiol: Very low doses that act locally with minimal systemic absorption, often used for dryness or discomfort (PubMed).
- Testosterone Therapy for Men: Can be delivered through gels, injections, patches, or pellets. All methods can work if properly dosed and monitored (Endocrine Society Guideline).
At Valley Medical, we focus on pellet therapy because it provides steady release, avoids daily fluctuations, and is easy for patients to maintain.
Pellet Therapy Personalization
Pellet therapy is central to how we personalize hormone care.
- Steady Delivery: Pellets release hormones over several months, avoiding daily ups and downs.
- Convenience: No need to remember pills or creams.
- Custom Dosing: We fine-tune pellet size and formulation to your labs, history, and response.
- Close Monitoring: Follow-up visits and labs ensure that therapy remains safe and effective.
This approach provides consistency and reliability while reducing the compliance burden many patients face with other methods.
Safety and Monitoring
Every therapy comes with potential risks. What matters most is how those risks are managed.
- Clot Risk and Route: Transdermal estrogen has a lower clot risk compared to oral forms, influencing our choices in higher-risk patients (ACOG).
- Cancer Considerations: Family or personal history of breast or prostate cancer informs our decisions.
- Compounded Products: Compounded bioidentical hormones can be helpful in unique cases but are not FDA approved. They should be used thoughtfully and monitored closely (FDA).
- Ongoing Follow-Up: Labs and visits are scheduled regularly so adjustments can be made safely.
No therapy guarantees perfect results. Hormones are one piece of the puzzle. We often combine therapy with nutrition, exercise, sleep support, and stress management for the best outcomes.
Hormone therapy works best when it is tailored to the individual and monitored closely. At Valley Medical, personalization is not about choosing between pills or patches, but about fine-tuning pellet therapy and surrounding you with support so your care is safe, effective, and sustainable.
Patient Notice:
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Hormone therapy is not right for everyone. Risks and benefits depend on your history, your current health, and the specific medicine and dose you use. Please consult your doctor for personalized recommendations.
