As we get older, our bodies experience major changes. The internal changes can significantly affect our hormone production, and the lower levels of certain hormones create more obvious outward changes.
This does not only happen to women and their estrogen levels. Men can also have decreasing testosterone levels as they age.
Recent studies suggest that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is an effective way to address the decrease in hormone production for both men and women. Let’s talk about what HRT is and who can help you find the treatment that will work for your body.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a form of replenishing treatment that uses bioidentical hormones to replace your lost natural hormones. Your healthcare provider will customize hormone replacement therapy for you, depending on your own personal needs and symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
HRT is most commonly used to relieve the symptoms of menopause. It replaces and rebalances the hormones estrogen and progesterone when they are at a lower level during menopause. Some hormone replacement therapies have only estrogen, others have both estrogen and progesterone, and still others may include testosterone if that is what the woman needs.
HRT for women may be administered in different ways, including:
- Pellets
- Capsules
- Topical or vaginal creams
- Gels
- Foams
- Suppositories
- Lozenges
They can also have a variety of strengths, depending on your specific needs.
Although hormone replacement therapy is commonly prescribed for menopausal women, it can also treat various conditions that women of all ages may experience as a result of hormonal imbalance.
Hormone replacement therapy can help to alleviate the signs and symptoms of the following issues:
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Endometriosis
- Infertility
- Moodiness
- Postpartum depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Weight gain
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Decreased libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Painful sexual intercourse
The prevention of bone loss and reduced risk of fractures are two other benefits of hormone replacement therapy. In some cases, a combination of estrogen and progesterone therapy can reduce the risk of colon cancer and heart disease when taken in the early menopausal years.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
Some men can also benefit from HRT, especially those who have low levels of testosterone (low-T). Low testosterone levels can have various side effects and symptoms, just like menopause.
In the case of men, HRT may be administered in the following ways:
- Pellets
- Testosterone supplements
- Cream
- Injections
Men usually experience andropause, or “male menopause.” Andropause is a period where men experience decreasing levels of testosterone production or an increase in the levels of estrogen in their bodies.
The most common physical and emotional symptoms are as follows:
- Impotence
- Anxiety
- Osteoporosis
- Heart disease
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Decreased libido
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- Lower stamina
Hormone Therapy Treatment in Weatherford, Texas
If you’re interested in finding out whether hormone replacement therapy might work to help alleviate your midlife symptoms, come and see our board certified Integrative & Functional Medicine Practitioner Dr. Catherine Oseni of AlphaCare Wellness Center.
For more information about hormone replacement therapy, contact us today at (817) 550-6332 or complete our online appointment form now. We look forward to helping you get the spring back in your step again!
