How to Tell if Hormone Replacement Therapy Is Right for You
Wondering if you could benefit from hormone replacement therapy? While hormone imbalances are a natural part of the aging process, they can have a negative impact on your everyday health. Hormone replacement therapy can reduce many of these unwanted symptoms, benefiting men and women alike. Read on for more information on this helpful treatment so you can determine whether it’s right for you.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a doctor-prescribed medication that replaces the body’s naturally produced hormones that are low. The medication comes in the form of a pill, cream, patch, or spray.
Before starting treatment, your doctor will perform a lab test of your blood or saliva. After reviewing the results, your doctor will create a customized treatment plan to bring any deficient hormones back into balance.
Signs You May Need Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone imbalances can cause several symptoms that interfere with your everyday life. If you’re experiencing any of the signs or symptoms described below, reach out to your doctor to determine whether hormone replacement therapy can be an effective solution:
Extreme Menopause Symptoms: Menopause is the most common symptom of hormone deficiencies due to age. Millions of women worldwide live with discomfort due to symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes, mood swings, and low metabolism due to changes in estrogen and progesterone levels. Hormone replacement therapy can restore these hormones to optimal levels, eliminating many of the symptoms of menopause.
Extreme Andropause Symptoms: Many people don’t know that hormone imbalances also affect men. As men age, they undergo a natural biological process called andropause which causes testosterone to decrease. The process can lead to negative symptoms like sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and low metabolism. Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can eliminate these symptoms, raising testosterone levels and helping men feel healthier and more energetic.
Hair Loss: Noticing thinning hair? Hormone imbalances, particularly the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) breaks down hair, leading to thinning and hair loss. An imbalance of stress hormones like cortisol can also cause the adrenal gland to work overtime, also contributing to hair loss. Hormone replacement therapy can restore these hormone levels and prevent hair loss.
Insomnia: If you’re experiencing disturbances in your sleep cycle, a hormone imbalance may be to blame. When hormones interrupt sleep, you may experience hot flashes and night sweats—common symptoms of menopause. Boosting estrogen levels can reduce these symptoms, allowing you to get a full night of sleep so that you can feel rested and refreshed again.
Low Libido: Hormone replacement therapy can help both men and women who experience low libido. For men, testosterone replacement therapy can effectively improve sex drive and overall health. For women, getting estrogen and testosterone levels in balance can boost sexual interest and drive for long-term results.
Interested in learning whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you? Take the first step toward a healthier life by reaching out to the doctors at Impact Medical Wesley Chapel. If you can benefit from hormone replacement therapy, we’ll create a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs. Call us today at (813) 953-1002 to schedule your consultation.