Hormone replacement therapy and testosterone replacement therapy are two of the most established interventions in modern longevity care. Both restore hormones that the body produces in declining quantities with age or in response to specific medical conditions. Both also require careful candidate selection and ongoing monitoring to be safe and effective.
Candidacy is determined through bloodwork and clinical evaluation, not symptoms alone. A complete hormone panel typically includes total and free testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin, and several markers that help identify the underlying cause of any deficiency. Other labs evaluate red blood cell count, prostate-specific antigen for men, and additional markers that influence treatment design.
Treatment delivery varies by protocol. Testosterone replacement is delivered through injection, topical, or pellet routes, each with trade-offs in dosing precision and patient experience. Female hormone protocols are individualized based on menopausal status, symptom profile, and personal history.
Ongoing monitoring is athe part of HRT and TRT patients hear about the least and need the most. Hormone levels shift over time, and dosing needs adjustment. At VitalStem Institute, patients are seen on a defined follow-up schedule with bloodwork repeated at clinically appropriate intervals. Adjustments are made based on labs, symptoms, and goals.
