County Obstetrics & Gynecology
STL Leaders in Women’s Healthcare
Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women
Estrogen
Testosterone
Progesterone
Because every woman experiences hormonal changes differently, understanding the various hormone replacement therapy options available is the first step toward finding the treatment plan that works best for you.
At County Obstetrics & Gynecology, our physicians offer personalized treatment plans designed to restore balance and improve overall quality of life. Our goal is to provide thoughtful, individualized care that helps women feel their best at every stage of life.
Discover the hormones therapy that is right for you!
Estrogen Therapy
Estradiol-17β (E2) is bioidentical—chemically identical to the estrogen naturally made by the human body.
- The body has two types of estrogen receptors: alpha (α) and beta (β).
- Estradiol binds equally to both.
- Estradiol-17β is more natural, better tolerated, and linked to fewer side effects than older forms of estrogen.
Estrogen can be delivered orally or transdermal
Oral Estrogen
Transdermal Estrogen – gels, patches, injections and pellets
- May be associated with a lower risk of stroke compared to oral estrogen.
- Lower risk of blood clots compared to oral estrogen.
- The reduced risk is thought to be related to the fact that transdermal estrogen avoids “first-pass” metabolism in the liver, which can influence clotting factors and increase the risk of blood clots.
- Transdermal estrogen patches or gels can provide a more stable and consistent level of estrogen in the bloodstream compared to oral estrogen.
Estrogen replacement therapy can ease many menopause symptoms:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood changes or irritability
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort
- Painful intercourse
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Urinary urgency or frequency
- Reduced sexual function or libido
- Cognitive fog or difficulty concentrating
- Joint aches
- Dry skin
- Bone loss and increased fracture risk (osteoporosis)
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy
- Vaginal estrogen therapy offers safe, targeted relief for menopausal vaginal and urinary symptoms.
- It effectively treats dryness, discomfort with intercourse, irritation, and recurrent urinary issues, with minimal hormone absorption into the bloodstream.
- Vaginal estrogen is applied directly to the vaginal tissues using a cream, tablet, or small ring. Because it stays mostly in the local tissues, only a very small amount enters the bloodstream.
- Vaginal estrogen does not provide enough hormone to treat hot flashes, night sweats, or other whole-body symptoms of menopause.
Testosterone Therapy
As women age and reach menopause, testosterone levels drop (around 50% lower than in early adulthood by menopause.
This decline can contribute to symptoms like a reduced sex drive, fatigue, mood swings, weaker muscles, and even trouble with memory.
Testosterone replacement therapy (in low doses) aims to restore some of this hormone to improve these issues.
Testosterone for women is given at much lower doses than for men, 1/10th that of a male.
Using testosterone alongside estrogen can provide a more complete relief of menopause symptoms: estrogen addresses issues like hot flashes and bone loss, while testosterone specifically targets sexual function, energy, and muscle support.
Testosterone replacement therapy can be a valuable addition to menopausal care. By replenishing this hormone in small doses, many women regain a sense of well-being and vitality that helps them through the midlife transition.
Testosterone replacement therapy can improve many menopausal symptoms:
Sexual Health and Libido
Studies have shown that adding testosterone to a standard estrogen therapy can significantly improve overall sexual function in postmenopausal women.
Many women experience a boost in their sexual well-being with testosterone therapy:
- Higher Sex Drive: Increased libido (sex drive) and interest in intimacy.
- Improved Arousal: Enhanced physical arousal and lubrication, making it easier to become sexually excited.
- Better Orgasms: More satisfying and frequent orgasms, leading to greater sexual pleasure.
Women often report feeling less distress about their low desire and more confident in their intimate relationships when on testosterone treatment. By addressing issues like low libido, fatigue, and mood changes, testosterone can help restore a woman’s overall balance and wellness.
Mood and Energy
By boosting mood and reducing fatigue, testosterone can enhance mental well-being and help women feel more like themselves again.
Cognitive Support (Brain Function)
Testosterone therapy may support brain function by improving memory, focus, and mental clarity. Some women report sharper thinking and better recall, which can boost confidence and ease in daily tasks. Early research even suggests enhanced cognitive performance (for example, better verbal learning and memory) in postmenopausal women using testosterone.
Bone and Muscle Health
- Bone Strength: In menopausal women, therapy with testosterone may help increase bone density, which means bones that are less prone to thinning or fractures, potentially guard against osteoporosis.
- Muscle Mass and Strength: Testosterone also supports healthy muscles. Women on therapy often find it easier to maintain or build muscle mass and strength, counteracting the muscle loss that can happen with age. Additionally, some women experience relief from menopause-related body aches – testosterone has been noted to reduce muscle aches and joint pains, contributing to overall physical comfort.
Progesterone Therapy
Micronized Progesterone Bioidentical —chemically identical to the progesterone naturally made by the human body.
Micronized progesterone is a safer and more natural option than older synthetic progestins like medroxyprogesterone acetate.
It’s the preferred choice for modern hormone therapy due to its lower risk profile.
Progesterone can be delivered orally or transdermal (cream or sublingual)
The main purpose of progesterone is providing protection to the lining of the uterus to prevent abnormal bleeding that can occur when using estrogen.
Micronized Progesterone therapy addtionally can ease many menopause symptoms:
Sleep Support:
- Promotes deeper, more restful sleep.
- Helpful for menopause-related insomnia.
Mood & Anxiety Relief:
- Calms the nervous system via GABA activity.
- Reduces mood swings and anxiety.
Hot Flashes & Night Sweats:
- Helps reduce frequency and severity of vasomotor symptoms.
- Enhances estrogen’s relief of menopause symptoms.
Breast Health:
- Less breast tenderness than synthetic progestins.
Bone Health:
- Supports bone-building cells (osteoblasts).
- Enhances estrogen’s effect in maintaining bone density.
Heart & Metabolic Support:
- Neutral or beneficial for blood pressure and lipids.
- May improve insulin sensitivity.
Brain Support:
- May improve clarity and reduce “brain fog.”
- Potential neuroprotective effects in menopause.
At County Obstetrics & Gynecology, your care begins with a board-certified physician who takes the time to understand your unique health concerns and goals.
Your safety and well-being deserve the guidance of a qualified physician—not someone who simply labels themselves a “hormone specialist.”
We encourage you to call our office for a consultation.
We believe decisions about hormone therapy should be made thoughtfully and with the highest level of medical expertise.
That’s why your evaluation and treatment plan will never be left to a nurse practitioner or allied health provider without specialized training.
County Obstetrics & Gynecology
STL Leaders in Women’s Healthcare
Board Certified Physician:
Dr. Lawrence V. Boveri
Dr. Stephen A. Boveri
Our Location
1859 Bowles Avenue
Suite 103
Fenton, MO 63026
Our Hours:
Monday: 9:00 – 5:00
Tuesday: 9:00 – 5:00
Wednesday: 9:00 – 5:00
Thursday: 9:00 – 3:00
Friday: 9:00 – 12:00