Hormones are important because they regulate your energy levels, sleep, mood, metabolism, reproductive systems, and many more important body functions. As we age, our hormone levels change, which leads to weight gain, fatigue, and other issues, or sometimes we just don’t feel quite right! This is where hormone therapy can be a great remedy.
Hormone therapy is also referred to as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and is a treatment that involves restoring hormone levels to a healthy range. It is worth questioning, is hormone therapy right for you? In this article we will provide a good understanding of hormone therapy, what its uses are, benefits, and risks.
What is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy is a medical treatment that is aimed at restoring hormone levels to normal when there are not enough or imbalanced hormone levels in the body. These low hormone levels can sometimes be the result of aging or certain medical conditions. The goal of hormone therapy is to bring hormone levels back to a healthy level.
For women, hormone therapy is commonly used to treat symptoms of menopause—a natural phase of aging where estrogen and progesterone levels decline. For men, hormone therapy is suggested when dealing with low testosterone, known as “Low T.”
There are different types of hormone therapy to meet individual needs. Hormone therapy can be delivered in the form of pills (tablets), patches, cream, gel, or small pellets that are inserted under the skin of the patient.
Signs You May Need Hormone Therapy
You might be wondering how to know if your hormones are unbalanced. Here are some common signs for both men and women:
For Women:
● Hot flashes or night sweats
● Mood swings or depression
● Trouble sleeping
● Low energy or feeling exhausted all the time
● Vaginal dryness or discomfort during intimacy
● Weight gain, especially around the belly
For Men:
● Low energy or fatigue
● Reduced muscle strength
● Mood changes or feeling down
● Low sex drive
● Trouble focusing or remembering things
● Weight gain and belly fat
If you notice some of these symptoms, it might be time to talk to a doctor. A simple blood test can check your hormone levels.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy can help you feel like yourself again. Hormone therapy provides many benefits when done the right way with medical care:
● More Energy: Many people feel tired all the time when their hormones are low. Hormone therapy can change that and get you energetic and moving again.
● Better Mood: Hormone imbalance can make you feel anxious, sad, or irritable. Hormone therapy can improve your mood and your overall mental health.
● Better Sleep: Balancing your hormones will help you sleep better at night so that when you wake up you will feel refreshed and ready for the day.
● Strong Bones and Muscles: Hormone therapy can protect against bone loss and help build muscle, especially for older adults.
● Healthier Skin and Hair: Some people may see improvement to skin texture and less thinning of the hair.
● Improved Sexual Health: This may also increase sex drive and reduce discomfort during intimacy.
Risks and Side Effects
Like any treatment, hormone therapy also has some risks. That’s why it’s important to only take it with a doctor’s guidance. Some possible side effects include:
● Bloating or weight gain
● Headaches
● Breast tenderness
● Mood changes
● Slight increase in the risk of blood clots, stroke, or certain cancers (mainly in older women using estrogen alone for long periods)
Not everyone will have side effects. The risks are often low, especially if you start hormone therapy at the right time and follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Who Should Avoid Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy may not be suitable for everyone. You should avoid it or be very careful if you:
● Have a history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer
● Have had a heart attack or stroke
● Have blood clotting problems
● Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
● Have liver disease
Your physician will help decide if it’s safe for you. They may suggest other ways to manage your symptoms, like lifestyle changes or non-hormonal treatments.
What to Expect from Treatment?
If you and your physician come to the conclusion that hormone therapy is appropriate for you, the initial step is a comprehensive medical examination. The medical examination generally includes a blood test, a medical history physical examination, and inquiring about your symptoms.
After the physician has appropriate data, they will provide you with a specific course of treatment. We all have different hormone levels and health, which should be considered in the plan. Many individuals report noticeable improvement in a matter of weeks, while some may not experience full improvements for a few months.
Regular follow-up visits are essential. During visits, the physician will determine whether the therapy is effective and whether your body is responding positively. Based on your progress, the physician may adjust the dose or change the solution or form of hormone you receive.
Final Thoughts
Hormone therapy can significantly change the lives of individuals who are struggling with fatigue, mood fluctuations, weight gain, and the many aspects of hormone imbalance. While it is not for everyone, many individuals find that it helps them feel healthier, more energized, and happier.
At Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center, we specialize in safe, personalized hormone therapy that will allow you to live your absolute best life. Whether you are experiencing low energy, mood disturbances, or symptoms related to aging, we can help you feel balanced and empowered again.
We offer:
● Custom hormone replacement plans for men and women
● Advanced testing and expert medical care
● Natural and bio-identical hormone options
● Supportive care in a luxurious, spa-like environment
Start your journey toward a healthier, happier you and schedule your consultation with Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center today!