Hormone Replacement Therapy: What You Need to Know
Today, advancements in the field of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are making it possible for men and women to lead active and exciting lives at any age. No longer do we have to fear growing older and running out of energy, losing our sex drive, or forgetting why we keep entering rooms. Our hormones help control these functions, and more. By balancing their levels, we can ensure healthy brain, heart, metabolic, and immune system functions.
There was a time when HRT was thought of as a female-only treatment. Testosterone therapy was discussed in hush tones at the water cooler or in the locker room. Now, hormone treatments are out in the open, due in part to the scientific research in the field, as well as the fact that we are living longer now than in the past. With our bodies having to last decades longer than they did one hundred years ago, it is essential to find ways to prevent hormonal decline.
For that reason, men and women come to RX Hormone to ask about the best hormone replacement therapy options available. Whether it is HGH human growth hormone therapy, testosterone treatment, or any of the many other HRT options, we can help you navigate through the decision-making process.
The primary factor in this process is ensuring that only safe hormone replacement therapy medications are used at all times. Websites offering hormone treatments for sale without a prescription are not safe to use, as we will discuss later in this review. However, when you undergo proper blood analysis and examination, a hormone specialist can prescribe the appropriate treatments that will help transform and improve the quality of your life.
Hormone replacement therapy options are available for men and women that will help restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life.
What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
The definition of hormone replacement therapy is that of a treatment that supplements hormone levels that have declined due to numerous factors, including aging. The most common time for HRT is menopause. It has long been acceptable to provide women with estrogen and even progestin therapies during menopause to help reduce symptoms such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness, mood changes, and night sweats. Why, then, do so many doctors avoid prescribing other hormone therapies that are even more valuable for the health of their patients?
Here at RX Hormone medical clinic, we know which hormones the body needs to maintain for proper health and physiological functions. Without enough of these hormones in the bloodstream, their receptor cells would sit idle, not receiving the critical signals that would stimulate them into action.
Some of the hormones that decline with age help regulate the following functions in the body:
- Electrolyte balance
- Insulin and glucose levels
- Metabolism
- Immunity
- Blood cell production
- Cellular regeneration
- Energy
- Sleep
- Sexual desire and performance
- Temperature regulation
- Hair growth
- Muscle mass
- Bone density
- Internal organ size and functions
- Cognitive performance and memory
- Emotional stability
- Cholesterol, triglyceride, and blood pressure levels for heart health
Hormone specialists utilize bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to supplement low or deficient hormone levels. The body recognizes the identical structure of these hormones, putting them right to work as they bind with the corresponding hormone’s receptors to initiate their actions.
Hormone replacement therapy supplements the levels of hormones that have declined.
Who Can Benefit from Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Some hormone levels naturally decline as we age. In response to that decrease, other hormones tend to increase, creating even more of an imbalance. We see that happen as testosterone levels decline and estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels rise. When that occurs, men and women tend to gain weight and suffer from thinning or loss of hair. Men may also find that their prostate becomes enlarged – often causing urinary issues. Hormone replacement therapy can help restore the necessary balance to prevent or reverse these occurrences.
Any man or woman experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance can benefit from HRT. Let us explore below how to know when it is time to contact a hormone specialist:
Men – the use of hormone replacement therapy for men can help prevent the symptoms of Low T from taking over one’s life. Because both growth hormone and testosterone levels begin to decline by age thirty, the changes can appear as early as a man’s late thirties – especially if he leads a sedentary lifestyle. Some men do not notice any adverse effects until many decades later, if at all. The healthier a man’s life regarding diet, exercise, sleep, and avoiding stress, the more likely he is to maintain higher hormone levels.
Symptoms of hormonal decline in men include:
- Low libido
- Lack of energy
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Muscle loss
- Body aches and stiffness
- Reduced bone density
- Loss of interest in social activities
- Poor exercise results
- Forgetfulness and cognitive impairment
- Lack of focus
- High cholesterol
- Decreased drive and productivity
- Hair loss or thinning
- Gynecomastia (breast enlargement)
- Infertility
Women – the use of hormone replacement therapy for women can help maintain healthy heart and brain functions, as well as strong bones. Women may suffer from imbalances in many hormones besides estrogen, such as testosterone, progesterone, and growth hormone. It is essential to undergo a complete hormone workup before accepting estrogen therapy as the only alternative. There may be other, safer and more effective options.
Women dealing with hormonal imbalance may experience the following symptoms:
- Vaginal dryness
- Night sweats
- Low libido
- Hot flashes
- Weight gain
- Muscle loss
- Brain fog and forgetfulness
- Poor sleep
- Fatigue
- Decreased bone density
- High cholesterol
- Insulin resistance
- Thinning hair
- Wrinkles and sagging skin
- Social isolation
- Depression and mood changes
- Increased stress
These are only some of the many signs that you may have a hormonal imbalance.
Hormone replacement therapy can benefit men and women dealing with the symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
What Are the Most Common Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
We have already touched on the most common types of hormone replacement therapy:
- Human growth hormone
- Testosterone
- Estrogen
- Progesterone
However, there is more to these hormones than many people know. First up, let us look at human growth hormone. HGH is also known as the body’s master hormone because it regulates so many functions, including cell regeneration. The body needs a plentiful supply of new cells each day for the bones, muscles, skin, internal organs, hair, and more. HGH is also a leading regulator of metabolism, brain, and immune system functions. It also helps to promote testosterone and insulin growth factor 1 production, so receiving HGH therapy can increase these hormones, as well. HGH also helps to stimulate spermatogenesis, helping improve male fertility.
Testosterone is another multi-faceted hormone as the body converts some of the free testosterone into estradiol as well as DHT. Women who cannot use estrogen and progestin therapies can often safely receive testosterone treatment.
Estrogen and progesterone have received a bad reputation due to previous studies. However, estrogen has been proven safe for many women. Those who cannot take it due to risks of breast cancer and other concerns can typically receive testosterone with an estrogen blocker.
Bioidentical progesterone is an extremely safe form of hormone replacement therapy. It is not the same thing as progestin, a synthetic hormone that mimics many progesterone effects but first requires altering in the body. That is also why it presents more potential side effects and risks than bioidentical progesterone.
In addition to the hormones listed above, two others – ipamorelin and sermorelin – help increase growth hormone levels by stimulating the pituitary gland to boost HGH production.
Human growth hormone and testosterone are two of the most commonly prescribed types of hormone replacement therapy.
Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?
We are often asked is hormone replacement therapy safe because there are many conflicting reports online. For every study that testifies to a hormone’s safety, there is one that contradicts the research. What can you believe?
Here is what you need to know about the safe use of hormone replacement therapy:
- HRT is safe when prescribed by a doctor with extensive experience and knowledge in the field of hormone replacement
- Comprehensive blood analysis that measures multiple blood levels is essential before starting any form of HRT
- Every individual must undergo a physical examination before using hormone therapy
- Hormone medications are only safe when they come from a licensed US pharmacy – not via online purchase off an unregulated website which may supply counterfeit, dangerous, or expired drugs
- All hormone treatments must be used as directed from the HRT specialist
By following these guidelines, hormone replacement treatments are safe to use.
Hormone replacement therapy is safe to use as prescribed by a hormone specialist.
How to Start Hormone Replacement Therapy
The first step in starting HRT is choosing the right doctor. You want to ensure you are dealing with a specialist in the field of hormone replacement therapy. You can select office visits with a local doctor, or you can contact a national medical clinic such as RX Hormone. Many people prefer the extra level of privacy, the lack of office visits, and reduced costs associated with our services.
Following your free consultation with one of our medical advisors, you will then visit a local laboratory for your blood test. We will also provide information on completing your physical examination and medical history questionnaire. That is it – just a few simple steps to determine if you qualify for hormone treatment.
For additional questions about how to start hormone replacement therapy, please contact us by phone or completing the short form on this page for your free consultation.