As your body ages or you develop an illness, your hormones can change or stop production completely. If your natural production decreases, you will need to seek a remedy, which is often hormone replacement therapy. We will dive deeper into what hormones actually do for your health and how HRT can improve negative symptoms.
Understanding Hormones
In order to understand the science behind hormone replacement therapy, we first need to break down what hormones are. Hormones are chemicals that help control different functions in your body. Carrying messages and instructions through the bloodstream to your skin, muscles, brain, and other tissues. Hormones are needed for every aspect of your health including metabolism, reproduction, sleep, and growth.
However, a hormone will only be able to do the work if the tissue or organ is willing to accept it. The hormone is the key and organs and tissues are locked. If the key doesn’t fit, it will not be able to enter the lock and convey its message.
There are two types of communication in the body. The first is through the endocrine system. One gland of your endocrine system releases the hormone, while the other helps regulate the number of hormones that are released. The second type is between the endocrine system and the target organ. A great example of this is the pancreas releasing insulin so your muscles and liver can process glucose.
The problem for many individuals is when organs produce too much or too little. Imbalances in your hormones could lead to major health concerns that you could live with for the rest of your life.
Identifying Lacking Hormones Causing Your Symptoms
There are many health concerns that are caused by hormone imbalances. Some of the most common issues include:
- Type 1 and 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes
- Thyroid disease
- Irregular menstruation
- PCOS
- Female infertility
- Male infertility
- Menopause
- Obesity
If you are having struggles with your sleep, digestion, or fertility you should talk to your doctor or a hormone specialist. Many tests will be run to see if HRT is a worthwhile treatment or if your illness is caused by more than one factor. Learning if your hormone imbalance is connected to multiple factors could cut out the need for hormone replacement therapy.
The science behind hormone replacement therapy only refers to putting hormones in the body, not healing other immune system issues, gut health, or inflammation that could also contribute to the above health concerns. Most hormone imbalances that cause noticeable symptoms come from the ovaries, testes, liver, and gut.
Different Types Of Hormone Replacement Therapy
Many methods can help put hormones into your body and replenish your system. Pills, skin patches, creams, injections, etc. Depending on the hormone you need, you can find a method that will fit into your lifestyle. Depending on whether your hormones are bioidentical or synthetic, the delivery method can vary.
Bioidentical vs. Synthetic Hormones
Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the ones you find in your body. This is the closest option to what your body produces in the endocrine system. Although they are engineered, these hormones are built of the same components as your natural hormones.
Since the science behind hormone replacement therapy focuses on giving the body either more hormones or regulating the hormone production from an organ, synthetic hormones that can “trick” the organ into producing less is just as effective as bioidentical. Synthetic hormones are similar, but not identical to those produced by the body. While synthetic hormones are just as effective, bioidentical hormones are marketed as more natural.
Are There Risks Of HRT?
With any medical procedure or treatment, there are benefits and risks. Hormone replacement therapy can come with relief from harsh symptoms, but there is also an increased risk of other illnesses or side effects.
This is why it is crucial to understand how hormones work in the body and find out what hormones your body needs to limit symptoms.
Explore the Science Behind Hormone Replacement Therapy at Regeneration Health
Our team provides multiple replacement hormones for men and women. Our Utah clinic will start with a consultation for every client. This allows us to analyze your health history, learn about your symptoms, and better explain the science behind hormone replacement therapy if necessary. We will then provide hormone testing and come up with a treatment plan that is individualized to you.
Regeneration Health is committed to providing every patient with a well-rounded and unique hormone plan. Reach out by calling or filling out a form on our website to get started on the path to better health.