In this day and age, it can be easy to get weighed down by the busyness of life making it easy for many Americans to mistakenly attribute symptoms of a hormonal imbalance with trying to keep up with long, fast paced days. However, there can be hope for individuals who make an appointment with a medical professional and find that that they are being affected by a hormone imbalance as they may be candidates for hormone replacement therapy.
For many, knowing there is a problem is the easy part. Learning about hormone replacement therapy and how to achieve hormone optimization can be more confusing if a patient is not familiar with the procedure. By learning more about what hormone replacement therapy is, the different types, and the benefits, patients can be more prepared to advocate for themselves and make educated decisions.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormones are responsible for regulating much of our bodies’ everyday functions. They can act as messengers between cells and organs, affecting how they do they work they are intended to do. For most people, the imbalance of hormones is an issue that does not occur until later in life when the natural process of aging takes over in earnest.
The imbalance of hormones may cause very noticeable symptoms that can affect how an individual’s body responds to normal processes. It is not uncommon for individuals suffering from a hormonal imbalance to suffer a lower overall quality of life due to general symptoms such as:
Exhaustion
Loss of Focus
Sleeplessness
Stress
Weight Gain
Hormone levels that are either too high or too low may be responsible for noticeable changes in an individual’s body. Hormone replacement therapy is a procedure that is specifically designed to help control hormone levels and maintain them at optimal levels so that patients can be their best selves.
Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Vs. Synthetic Hormone Therapy
The goal of hormone replacement therapy is to provide individuals with relief from annoying symptoms via hormone optimization, but not all of these types of therapy are created equal. There are two main types of hormone replacement therapy:
- Bioidentical
- Synthetic
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy utilizes manmade chemical hormones that are uniquely designed to have the same molecular structure as natural human hormones. It is usually administered via pellets implanted in the skin that provide a continuous release of hormones to aid with maintaining proper levels. Each pellet is custom designed to meet a patient’s specific hormonal needs.
Synthetic hormone replacement therapy also uses manmade chemical hormones, but these are usually not designed to mirror natural hormones already existing in the human body as closely as bioidentical.
How Hormone Replacement Therapy Works
Patients receiving BioTE hormone replacement therapy treatment will have pellet administration of hormones that are designed to provide a continuous and controlled release. Every patient is different, but many may feel a noticeable improvement within a few days, while others can take months to feel the same effects. Regardless, it is not uncommon for it to take up to six months or so to achieve complete hormone optimization.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
Hormone imbalance in women may be caused by a wide range of simple activities including how they eat, the stress levels they experience, and even aging. Some of the benefits of this therapy can be relief from typical symptoms of an imbalance such as:
Menstruation Issues
(irregularity, heavy flow, or discomfort)
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
Breast Tenderness
Vaginal Dryness
Thinning Hair
Low Sex Drive
Thin or Dry Skin
Gastro Issues such as
indigestion, constipation, and diarrhea
Because every woman is different, this list of symptoms is a starting point rather than an exhaustive list. Any woman that is experiencing the above symptoms should make an appointment with a medical professional to determine if they have a hormonal imbalance and the best treatment option.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men
Both men and women have hormones in their bodies, and while the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance in men can differ from that of women, they can still be just as debilitating for some individuals. A benefit of hormone replacement therapy in men can be some relief from bothersome imbalance symptoms including:
Sleeplessness
Brain Fog
Weight Gain
Decreased Energy
Feeling Low or
experiencing low self-esteem
Acne
Difficulty Maintaining Muscle Mass
Low Libido
Loss of Interest in Sexual Activity
Anxiousness
Low Blood Pressure
Unstable Blood Sugar
If you are a male that is regularly experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it may be prudent to make an appointment with a medical professional for a consultation.
A Word About Hormone Replacement Therapy Providers
Hormones are in some ways considered an engine that keeps a body running smoothly. It is crucial to take great care when adjusting hormone levels because their role is so important in the body. Take time to research reputable hormone replacement therapy providers and choose one that is staffed with medical professionals who thoroughly understand the human body and how hormones affect it.
If you have any questions or concerns about hormone replacement therapy, please reach out to Family First Urgent Care today for a consultation and to see how we can help you feel your best.
