Men and women can both experience very dramatic hormonal transitions. For women, estrogen rises at puberty and during pregnancy, then falls at menopause. Similarly, men experience dramatic results when testosterone levels are low or andropause.
Something missing? We offer Hormone Replacement Treatments for hormone imbalances. Call (717) 652-5550 to learn more!
What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that involves supplementing or replacing hormones that are naturally produced by the body. It is primarily used to alleviate the symptoms of hormone imbalances, particularly those caused by menopause or andropause.
During menopause, a woman’s ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen and progesterone. This drop in hormone levels can lead to a range of symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and decreased libido.
Hormone replacement therapy for menopause typically involves taking estrogen and progesterone in the form of pills, patches, gels, or creams. This helps to stabilize hormone levels and alleviate menopausal symptoms, improving the overall quality of life for many women.
Similarly, men can experience a decline in testosterone levels as they age, leading to symptoms known as andropause. These symptoms may include fatigue, decreased muscle mass, reduced libido, mood changes, and decreased bone density.
In such cases, hormone replacement therapy can involve the administration of testosterone in various forms, including injections, gels, patches, or pellets. This helps to restore testosterone levels to a more balanced range, improving energy levels, muscle strength, sexual function, and overall well-being.
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced in the testicles. Testosterone helps maintain men’s:
- Bone Density
- Fat Distribution
- Muscle Strength and Mass
- Facial and Body Hair
- Red Blood Cell Production
- Sex Drive
- Sperm Production
Testosterone levels generally peak during adolescence and early adulthood. As men age, their testosterone level gradually decreases (typically around 1% per year after age 30-40).
For older men, it’s important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism decreases men’s ability to produce normal amounts of testosterone due to a problem with the testicles. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), in the form of injections, pellets, patches, or gels, can improve the symptoms of low testosterone in men.
What is Estrogen?
Estrogen plays a key role in maintaining reproductive health and is also involved in many other bodily functions.
These include bone growth, cardiovascular health, and brain function. It is also used in hormone replacement therapy to help alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Benefits of Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Here are some potential benefits of estrogen replacement therapy, or ERT:
Relieve menopausal symptoms: ERT can help alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes.
Improve bone density: Estrogen helps maintain bone density, and ERT can help prevent osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.
Reduce the risk of heart disease: Estrogen has been shown to have a protective effect on the cardiovascular system, and ERT may help reduce the risk of heart disease in women who have gone through menopause.
Improve cognitive function: Estrogen is involved in brain function and may help improve memory and cognitive function, especially in women who start ERT early.
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Hormone Therapy FAQ
What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone mainly produced in the testicles. It plays a role in sperm production, sex drive, red blood cell production, body and facial hair, fat distribution, and bone density.
What are the benefits of high testosterone Levels?
Some benefits of high testosterone levels include reduced fat mass, increased libido, a reduction in weight loss, reduced inflammation in the body, increased bone health and muscle mass, reduced joint pain, less anxiety, and no mood swings and depression.
What happens when testosterone levels decrease?
Low testosterone levels affect mood, sex drives, and a change in fat and muscle.
Do testosterone levels change with age?
According to research, testosterone reduces with age. The total testosterone levels decrease at an average rate of 1.6% annually, while bioavailable and free levels drop by 2 or 3 percent each year.
How is testosterone replacement therapy administered?
Testosterone replacement hormones can be administered through injections, testosterone pellets, patches, and gels. However, we’ve determined injections are the most effective, with fewer risks and side effects.
What are the risks of testosterone replacement therapy?
Like with any medical procedure, there’s a degree of risk with TRT. Some possible but uncommon risks include sleep apnea, acne, enlarged breasts, limited sperm production, shrinking testicles, and higher red blood cell count, which increases the risk of clotting.
What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
The main benefit of hormone replacement therapy is relieving symptoms of menopause and perimenopause hot flashes, vaginal dryness, sleep problems, low mood, and anxiety.
What are bioidentical hormones?
These are artificial hormones chemically similar to natural hormones made by the body. They are made in labs from plant steroids in wild yams and soy.
When should I start hormone replacement therapy?
HRT should start when menopausal symptoms start to manifest, and you’ll not need tests done first. However, blood tests are necessary to measure hormone levels if you’re between 40 and 45 years old.
Is hormone replacement therapy safe?
The risks associated with HRT include blood clots, cancer, and stroke. Your risk level depends on your medical history and age. At age 50, it’s safe, and also, if you are at age 60, only if you started it when you were at age 50.
Is bio-hormone replacement therapy effective?
According to the FDA, there’s no evidence to support that bioidentical hormones are more effective than conventional hormone therapy. But generally, bioidentical hormone therapy has few or no risks.
I want to start feeling good again. How do I get started?
It’s easy! Call us at (717) 652-5550 or book an appointment online to schedule a time with our expert care professionals to discuss the options to get started on hormone replacement therapy. Your first visit will include a medical examination and blood tests that will help us determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment.