Hormone
Replacement Therapy
(HRT) for Women
Lake Forest, Illinois

Compassionate hormone
replacement therapy for women designed to
help you feel like yourself again.

Lake Forest Regenesis provides personalized hormone replacement therapy for women, helping treat perimenopause and menopause symptoms with safe, medically guided HRT designed to restore hormone balance, improve energy, and support overall wellness.

HRT for Women Clinical Overview

Hormone changes can affect how women feel, function, and age over time.

Hormone levels naturally change as women age. During perimenopause and menopause, shifts in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone can affect how the body feels and functions. These changes may lead to symptoms such as low energy, poor sleep, weight gain, mood changes, hot flashes, joint discomfort, brain fog, and low sex drive.

At Lake Forest Regenesis Medical Center, women’s hormone replacement therapy, or HRT for women, is personalized and medically guided. Treatment focuses on restoring balance, improving quality of life, and supporting long-term health—not just treating symptoms.

How HRT Treatment for Women Works

Treatment is personalized and guided by medical evaluation, lab testing, and ongoing care.

Your care starts with a private medical consultation. During this visit, we review your symptoms, medical history, medications, and health goals. When appropriate, lab testing is ordered to better understand your hormone levels and overall health.

If hormone therapy is recommended, treatment may include bioidentical estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone. These may be given through creams, patches, capsules, or other methods based on your needs. Doses are started carefully and adjusted over time, with regular follow-ups to monitor how you feel and respond.

Menopause Medication Lake Forest IL

What is Perimenopause?

Premenopause is the phase before hormone levels begin to shift.

Perimenopause is the stage when a woman’s body begins to change before menopause. It often starts in the 40s but can begin earlier for some women. During this time, hormone levels rise and fall, which can cause new or unexpected symptoms.

Many women notice changes in their menstrual cycle, including missed or heavier periods. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, poor sleep, weight gain, and brain fog are also common. Anxiety or low energy may appear as well. These symptoms can come and go, making perimenopause hard to predict. HRT for women often helps with these symptoms.

Even though periods may still occur, the body is already transitioning. Perimenopause can last several years before menopause begins. Understanding these changes helps women seek the right support and feel more in control of their health.

Here are 8th-grade level, calm, and patient-friendly options for the “Am I in Menopause?” section photo: Title (Image Title Attribute) Woman exploring signs and symptoms of menopause Alt Text (Accessibility + SEO)

Am I in Menopause?

Menopause is a natural phase of aging that affects every woman differently.

Menopause is the stage of life when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and hormone levels remain consistently low. A woman is considered to be in menopause after going twelve consecutive months without a menstrual period, when no other medical cause is present. Seeking HRT for women can help.

Common symptoms of menopause may include hot flashes, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, low energy, weight gain, vaginal dryness, low libido, joint discomfort, and brain fog. Some women notice symptoms gradually, while others experience more sudden changes.

Menopause is a normal part of aging, but symptoms can affect daily life and long-term health. A medical evaluation can help confirm whether you are in menopause and determine whether treatment options, including hormone support, may be appropriate.

Because HRT for women is a medical treatment, clinical oversight and patient safety are essential components of care.

Hormone therapy is provided under ongoing medical supervision. Treatment plans are individualized and based on your health history, lab results, age, and risk factors.

We monitor progress closely and make adjustments as needed. When appropriate, hormone therapy may be coordinated with other areas of care such as weight management, bone health, or metabolic support. Safety, balance, and long-term well-being guide every treatment decision.

Your health and safety are always our top priority. Every treatment plan is carefully designed and monitored by our medical team.

  • Care is guided by licensed medical providers

  • Treatment plans are personalized for each woman

  • Lab testing is used to check hormone levels and health markers

  • Hormone doses are carefully adjusted as needed

  • Ongoing follow-ups help monitor safety and results

  • Treatment follows current medical guidelines

  • Patient health and safety always come first

We take a careful, step-by-step approach to help you feel better while protecting your long-term health.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All therapies are prescribed only after a comprehensive medical evaluation by a licensed provider. Results and outcomes may vary. Click for Full Disclaimer

Signs and Symptoms of PERIMENOPAUSE & MENOPAUSE

Many women notice physical and emotional changes during perimenopause and menopause.

As hormone levels begin to change, women may notice physical, emotional, and mental shifts. Symptoms can vary from person to person and may come and go. This may be corrected through hormone replacement or HRT for women. Some women experience mild changes, while others notice more disruptive symptoms that affect daily life.

Common signs and symptoms may include:

Irregular or changing menstrual cycles

Hot flashes or night sweats

Trouble sleeping or feeling unrested

Fatigue or low energy

Mood changes, anxiety, or irritability

Brain fog or trouble concentrating

Weight gain or changes in body composition

Low libido or changes in sexual comfort

Vaginal dryness or discomfort

Joint aches or muscle stiffness

Not all women experience the same symptoms, and the timing and intensity can differ. A medical evaluation can help determine whether hormone changes may be contributing to symptoms and whether supportive care options should be discussed.

You may be a candidate for women’s hormone replacement therapy if you:

  • Are in perimenopause or menopause

  • Have symptoms related to hormone changes

  • Experience fatigue, poor sleep, or mood changes

  • Notice weight gain or changes in body composition

  • Have low libido or vaginal dryness

  • Want a medically supervised and personalized approach

Being a candidate is based on your health profile—not age alone.

Hormone therapy may not be appropriate if you:

  • Have a history of certain hormone-sensitive cancers

  • Have unexplained vaginal bleeding

  • Have active blood-clotting disorders

  • Have uncontrolled heart disease

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Are unable to participate in follow-up care

If hormone therapy is not appropriate, other supportive options may be discussed.

What to Expect During HRT Treatment

Treatment is gradual, personalized, and guided by ongoing medical care.

Hormone therapy is a process that unfolds over time rather than a single visit or quick solution. Care begins with a medical consultation to review symptoms, health history, and goals. When appropriate, lab testing is used to help guide treatment decisions. If hormone therapy is started, doses are chosen carefully and adjusted slowly to support balance and reduce side effects.

During the first few months, follow-up visits focus on how you are feeling day to day. Changes in sleep, energy, mood, weight, and other symptoms are reviewed, and treatment may be adjusted as your body responds. Some women notice improvement early, while others need additional time and fine-tuning.

Ongoing care emphasizes safety, realistic expectations, and long-term well-being. Treatment plans may evolve as needs change, and therapy can be continued, adjusted, or paused based on your health and preferences.

Hormone Replacement Therapy HRT for Women North Shore & Lake Forest, IL

How Care Progresses Over Time

Treatment evolves based on your body’s response, symptoms, and changing needs.

Hormone therapy is an ongoing process rather than a one-time decision. Care begins with a medical consultation to review symptoms, health history, and goals. When appropriate, lab testing is used to guide treatment. If hormone therapy is started, doses are selected carefully and adjusted gradually to support balance and comfort.

In the early stages of treatment, follow-up visits focus on how you are feeling day to day. Improvements in sleep, energy, mood, weight, and other symptoms are reviewed, along with any side effects. Adjustments are made as needed to help your body adapt safely.

Over time, treatment plans may continue, change, or pause depending on your health, preferences, and response. Ongoing monitoring helps support long-term well-being while maintaining a personalized and medically guided approach to care.

Exploring Your Treatment Options

Supportive care is guided by your symptoms, goals, and comfort level.

Every woman’s experience with hormone changes is different. After taking time to understand how you’re feeling and what matters most to you, treatment options are reviewed in a calm, supportive way. There is no pressure to pursue any specific therapy, and decisions are made together at your pace.

The options below reflect therapies that may be considered based on individual needs. Some women use a single approach, while others benefit from a combination over time.

Woman exercising to support health during bioidentical hormone therapy

Female Bioidentical Hormone Therapy

Personalized hormone support for women in Lake Forest.

Bioidentical hormones are made from plant sources, such as yams or soy, and are designed to be chemically similar to the hormones produced by the body. For some women, bioidentical hormone therapy may offer an alternative to traditional synthetic hormone options during perimenopause or menopause.

At Lake Forest Regenesis, women’s hormone care is individualized and medically guided. Treatment plans are tailored to your symptoms, health history, and goals. When appropriate, hormone therapy may help support balance and reduce common menopausal symptoms.

If you are exploring hormone therapy options, our clinical team will guide you through the process, review potential benefits and risks, and help determine whether bioidentical hormone therapy may be appropriate for you.

Couple showing closeness while improving libido and sexual wellness during menopause

Improving Libido and Sexual Wellness

Support for changes in desire during menopause.

Hormone changes during perimenopause and menopause can affect libido, intimacy, and emotional connection. Some women notice a decrease in sexual desire, vaginal comfort, or overall interest in intimacy as hormone levels shift. These changes are common and can be influenced by many factors, including stress, sleep, and overall health.

When appropriate, hormonal support such as testosterone, DHEA, or bioidentical hormones may be considered as part of a personalized care plan. Treatment options are reviewed carefully based on symptoms, health history, and individual goals.

At Lake Forest Regenesis, sexual wellness is approached with discretion, medical guidance, and respect. The goal is to support comfort, confidence, and well-being—not to promise specific outcomes.

Woman feeling confident and supported during testosterone therapy for women

Testosterone Therapy for Women

Carefully guided testosterone support for women.

Testosterone plays an important role in women’s health and can affect energy, muscle strength, bone health, mood, and overall well-being. As hormone levels change over time, some women may experience symptoms related to low testosterone.

Testosterone HRT for women is considered carefully and prescribed only when appropriate. Treatment plans are personalized based on symptoms, lab results, and individual health factors.

When used under medical supervision, testosterone therapy may help support energy, mental clarity, and physical strength. Ongoing monitoring and thoughtful dose adjustments help prioritize safety and long-term balance.

Smiling woman representing estrogen therapy for menopause symptom relief

Estrogen Therapy

Support for common menopause-related symptoms.

Estrogen plays an important role in women’s health and often declines during menopause. Lower estrogen levels can contribute to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, sleep changes, and mood shifts.

When appropriate, estrogen therapy may be used to help support comfort and quality of life during menopause. Estrogen also plays a role in bone health and other body systems. Treatment is individualized based on symptoms, health history, and overall risk factors.

Estrogen HRT therapy for women is prescribed thoughtfully and monitored over time to support balance, safety, and long-term well-being.

Smiling woman representing hormone balance with DHEA and pregnenolone support

DHEA and Pregnenolone

Support for energy, mood, and cognitive balance.

DHEA and pregnenolone are hormones made by the adrenal glands and play a role in energy levels, mood, and brain function. As women age, levels of these hormones may decline, which can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, low motivation, or mental fog.

When appropriate, DHEA or pregnenolone may be considered as part of a personalized hormone support plan. Use is guided by symptoms, lab findings, and overall health factors.

These hormones are prescribed carefully and monitored over time. The goal is to support balance and overall well-being while prioritizing safety and individualized care.

Woman focusing on wellness during progesterone therapy for hormone balance

Progesterone Therapy

Support for balance, sleep, and comfort during hormone changes.

Progesterone is an important hormone in women’s health and often declines during perimenopause and menopause. Lower progesterone levels can contribute to symptoms such as poor sleep, anxiety, mood changes, breast tenderness, irregular cycles, and feelings of imbalance.

When appropriate, progesterone therapy with HRT for women may be used to help support sleep quality, emotional stability, and overall hormonal balance. It is often used alongside estrogen therapy to promote balance and protect the uterine lining in women who still have a uterus.

Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered common questions to help you feel informed and confident about HRT for women.

Bioidentical hormone therapy is similar to traditional hormone therapy, but it uses hormones that are designed to closely match what your body naturally makes. Treatment is personalized based on your symptoms, lab results, and health history. Traditional hormone therapy often uses standard doses, while bioidentical therapy focuses on individualized care and careful monitoring.

Many women begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, but everyone is different. Some symptoms, like sleep or hot flashes, may improve sooner, while others take more time. Hormone therapy works gradually as your body adjusts. Your provider will monitor your progress and make changes as needed to help you feel your best.

Hormone therapy can be safe when it is properly prescribed and monitored by a medical provider. Safety depends on your age, health history, hormone levels, and treatment plan. Lab testing and regular follow-ups help reduce risks. Your provider will review benefits and risks with you to decide if hormone therapy is right for you.

No, hormone therapy is not always permanent. Some women use it for a few years, while others continue longer based on symptoms and goals. Treatment is reviewed regularly, and adjustments can be made over time. The decision to continue or stop hormone therapy is personal and should be made with your provider.

Yes, hormone therapy is often combined with other treatments to support overall health. This may include lifestyle changes, nutrition support, supplements, stress management, or exercise. Combining approaches can improve results and help address symptoms more fully. Your provider will help create a plan that fits your needs and health goals.

Yes, lab testing is an important part of creating a safe and personalized treatment plan. Tests help measure your hormone levels and check key health markers. This information allows your provider to choose the right type and dose of hormones for you. Ongoing lab testing may also be used to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Benefits of Benefits of the HRT for Women

Hormone therapy may help reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Improved Energy

Hormone replacement therapy HRT for women can help improve energy by restoring balanced hormone levels. Many women notice less fatigue, better focus, and more stamina throughout the day. When hormones are supported, the body may function more efficiently, making it easier to stay active, productive, and engaged in daily life.

Better Sleep

Hormone changes can interfere with sleep quality. Hormone therapy or HRT for women may help reduce night sweats, temperature shifts, and restlessness, which can support deeper, more restful sleep and improved recovery overnight for some women.

Fewer Hot Flashes

Hot flashes and night sweats are common during menopause. By helping restore hormone balance through HRT for women, therapy may reduce the frequency or intensity of these symptoms, allowing for greater comfort during the day and fewer sleep disruptions at night.

Emotional Balance

Shifting hormones can affect mood and emotional wellbeing. HRT for women may help support steadier moods and reduce feelings of irritability, anxiety, or emotional swings, improving overall sense of balance and quality of life.

Bone and Muscle Support

Estrogen and testosterone play important roles in bone density and muscle health. Supporting these hormones with HRT for women may help maintain strength, stability, and mobility, which are important for long-term physical function and injury prevention.

Sexual Comfort and Libido

Hormone changes can affect sexual comfort and desire. Hormone therapy may help support vaginal health, comfort, and libido, allowing some women to feel more confident and comfortable with intimacy over time. HRT for women can help these symptoms.

Start your regenesis today

We’re here to help you feel your best at every stage of life.

Women who are moving into their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even beyond start to experience subtle yet powerful shifts that often start to happen with the hormones in their bodies. These new changes often quietly influence their health in ways that include energy levels, emotional balance, quality of sleep, weight, libido, and sometimes even the health of their skin. Many people just consider this getting old, but it is frequently a sign that key hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are not in optimal harmony.

Some of the common experiences for these individuals include persistent fatigue even after a good night’s sleep, unfamiliar mood swings, sudden hot or warm flashes, difficulty focusing, brain fog, a reduction in interest in intimacy with their partner, and loss of elasticity in their skin. These are not inevitable parts of aging, even if some people think they are. These issues are often treatable through professional and personalized support.  

At our Lake Forest Regenesis, we view these transitions not as something to endure, but as an opportunity to restore vitality and confidence. Our approach starts with truly listening to your story. Through in-depth consultations and comprehensive lab testing, we are able to get an expert insight into your unique hormonal landscape. This in-depth understanding allows our team to build a customized plan that addresses root causes rather than simply covering symptoms, helping you feel strong, clear, and radiant once again.

If treatment is recommended, a plan is developed around your individual needs. Options are reviewed carefully, and therapies are selected based on safety, comfort, and long-term wellbeing—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Care continues with follow-up visits and thoughtful adjustments over time. Ongoing support helps ensure treatment stays aligned with how you feel, how your body responds, and your evolving health goals.

Your Regenesis Process

We’re here to help you feel your best at every stage of life.

HRT FOR WOMEN CONSULTATION

Your initial visit includes a comprehensive health evaluation, lab work, and vital measurements to establish your baseline.

HRT FOR WOMEN ASSESSMENT

You will meet with your Regenesis specialist to review lab results, assessment, and goals, crafting a customized treatment plan.

HRT FOR WOMEN PROGRAM

Your carefully designed Program is designed and adjusted as lab results and progress are reviewed to ensure optimal results.

HRT FOR WOMEN RESULTS

Reap the rewards as we progress with regular labs, feedback, and advanced technology to optimize your health and wellness.

Personalized regenerative and functional medicine focused on long-term health and vitality

Welcome to Lake Forest Regenesis

Hormone and wellness clinic for men & women in lake Forest, Illinois

Allana Bush, FNP-C, founder and provider at Lake Forest Regenesis

“As a dedicated healthcare provider, I’ve worked with countless women struggling with the effects of hormonal imbalance, fatigue, weight gain, mood swings, and a sense that something just isn’t right.  I’ve seen the frustration, but I’ve also witnessed the transformation that comes with restoring a woman’s hormonal balance.  More energy.  A clearer mind.  Renewed confidence. You prioritize everyone else; now it’s time to prioritize you.  Let’s have a conversation.  I’m listening, I hear you, and am ready to help you start your journey to feeling your best.”

Allana Bush, FNP-C, RN, PHN, MSN

Medical Weight Loss & Bioidentical Hormone
Replacement Therapy Specialist Lake Forest, IL