If you think hormones are only a concern in your 50s you may be surprised to learn that hormone changes, perimenopause, and menopause can affect you starting in your 30s. Aging is different for each person, but there are ways to help you through the process. So while working on fitness, gut health, and addressing other health risks are important, optimizing hormones is sometimes the key to feeling and looking as healthy and young as possible. It can help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia & cognitive decline, lower your chance of type 2 diabetes and prevent bone loss. 

Here are some of the most common questions we get when it comes to hormone optimization and how to get started.

Is it safe?

Generally, yes. There are a variety of hormones and supplements we use that are very safe. Still, for each patient, we perform a personalized assessment to determine their optimal treatment therapy and to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. 

When should I do it?

The timing of hormone replacement varies from person to person. When a woman changes from regular cycles to perimenopause to menopause differs dramatically, and therefore so does the timing of hormone therapy initiation. There is a preferred window of treatment for hormone therapy where we see the most benefit and the least risk, and it is within 10 years of the onset of menopause or below 60 years of age. However, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can still be used outside of this window in many cases.

How should I start?

By booking in for a detailed lab assessment at Aeon, followed by an assessment with Dr. Lane and Dr. Bastian, we can quickly address any potential hormone imbalances. Because HRT is often based on symptoms instead of numbers, we can often initiate hormone replacement therapy after the initial visits.

Who can help me?

We recommend working with doctors who have undergone special training and education on prescribing hormones safely and effectively, over your regular GP. At Aeon, we take the approach of combining naturopathic and medical practices to help get the patient the most up-to-date, evidence-based and safe, but effective, treatments available.

Am I committed forever?

Not at all, the length of treatment varies for everyone. We try and use a variety of non-medication therapies to improve your symptoms to utilize the minimum required dose of hormones to make you feel your best and they can be discontinued at any time. However, there are often benefits such as brain and cardiovascular health that are improved with long-term hormone therapy.