Our body’s hormones play a big role in our overall health and happiness. As we age, our body naturally decreases its hormone production, which can lead to hormone imbalances, as we lose estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This can result in many different issues, such as fatigue, memory loss, low libido, and more. Hormone replacement therapy is designed to address such hormone imbalances. Here’s what you need to know about hormone replacement therapy, the symptoms of hormone imbalances, and the benefits and risks associated with HRT. Let’s dive in!
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is when you receive hormones through pellets or medications that restore your body’s hormone balance. It is most commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause, but can help with the aging process as a whole, including low testosterone. If you’re experiencing hormone imbalances, this can be because your body either isn’t producing enough natural hormones or it is producing too much.
Hormone replacement therapy uses hormone replacement medications that mimic what your body naturally produces, which helps to manage hormone levels in your body.
Symptoms Of Hormone Imbalances
There are many different symptoms associated with hormone imbalances that hormone replacement therapy can treat. Some common symptoms of hormone imbalances include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
- Unpredictable menstrual cycles
- Sexual dysfunction
- Low libido
- Night sweats
- Decreased bone density
- Weight gain
- Hot flushes
- Vaginal dryness
- Brain fog
- High cholesterol
- Stress
- Irritability
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Aches and pains
- Thinning vaginal walls
- Urinary incontinence
- Vaginal infections
- Bladder infections
- Hair loss
- Abnormal hair growth
- Abnormal sensations, such as prickling
- Heart palpitations
- And more
All of these can naturally occur as we age, due to the fact that your body produces lower levels of hormones. If you’re approaching menopause or experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, HRT can restore your health and improve your day-to-day life.
Benefits Of HRT
So, we keep telling you that hormone replacement therapy can improve your life, but how exactly can it do that? As you can see from the previous section, hormone imbalances can cause all sorts of problems that hormone replacement therapy can help treat. There are many benefits of HRT that you can enjoy as you age or if you have hormone imbalances.
Some of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy include:
- Lowering your risk of developing diabetes, if taken around the time of menopause
- Preventing bone loss that can result from osteoporosis by preserving the integrity of your bones, which reduces the risk of getting fractures
- Reduction of cardiovascular disease markers
- Reduction of menopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, mood swigns, hot flushes, night sweats, and more
In general, HRT helps to manage the symptoms that result from menopause and aging. Some studies suggest that HRT can help with additional issues, such as improved muscle functions, however, further research is needed in order to confirm whether or not these benefits result from the hormone replacement therapy itself or from other factors.
Risks Of HRT
The same as anything else, there are risks associated with HRT. As such, it’s important that you consult with a medical professional in order to determine whether or not hormone replacement therapy is a good treatment option for you.
Some of the risks of hormone replacement therapy include:
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Acne
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Indigestion
- Leg cramps
- Back pain
- Abdominal pain
- Vaginal bleeding
- And more
In general, side effects of hormone replacement therapy disappear within a few weeks. If you’re concerned about the risks associated with HRT, it’s important to consult with your medical provider. The same is true for if you experience any of the side effects, as your doctor will be able to either adjust your dosage or suggest alternate treatment methods.
Should Anyone Not Take Hormone Replacement Therapy?
HRT is excellent for many people, however, it’s not suited for everyone. In general, it may not be good for people who:
- Have a history of heart disease
- Have breast cancer
- Have gallbladder disease
- Have strokes
- Have blood clots
- Have high blood pressure
- Are or are planning on becoming pregnant
Are You Interested In Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Regeneration Health offers hormone replacement therapy. If you’re interested in learning more about hormone replacement therapy or would like to know whether or not it is a suitable treatment method for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us today!
