Hormone replacement therapy can be a viable treatment option for both women and men suffering from the effects of age-related hormone loss, as well as deficiencies caused by medical conditions. Furthermore, modern bioidentical HRT treatments are much safer than synthetic hormones, so many of the risks commonly associated with hormone replacement therapy no longer apply to a lot of patients.
However, there are still some circumstances in which HRT may not be the right option for a particular individual. A medical consultation and evaluation with Dr. Edward Jacobson could help you determine whether hormone replacement therapy is right for you.
Hormone replacement therapy is often prescribed for women who are going through menopause and experiencing severe symptoms as a result that significantly reduce their quality of life. If you have started suffering from moderate to severe hot flashes, vaginal dryness or itchiness, or pain during intercourse, bioidentical hormone treatments could directly address the cause of those symptoms and help you feel like yourself again.
Additionally, since estrogen plays a key role in keeping bones strong, estrogen therapy could help alleviate osteoporosis if other treatments are ineffective or not viable for a particular patient. In younger women, HRT could help regulate periods and potentially reduce the risk of health problems like heart attacks, dementia, and strokes.
Testosterone replacement therapy could be the right course of action for many older men going through andropause, as well as younger men suffering from abnormal testosterone levels. Customized HRT treatments could help restore sexual drive and function, address emotional imbalances and conditions like depression, and possibly even reduce hair loss.
Although hormone replacement therapy has become much safer in recent years thanks to the development of bioidentical hormones, this type of treatment is not appropriate for everyone. Previous studies have shown that individuals with a history of blood clots, cancers of the breast and/or uterine/endometrial systems, or diseases of the heart, liver, or gallbladder may have a higher risk of negative reactions from hormone replacement therapy. Women who experience heavy bleeding during periods or spotting between periods should also speak with their doctor before starting on HRT treatments, as should anyone with a history of smoking.
Hormone replacement therapy is tailor-made to the specific needs of each unique patient. Therefore, ensuring that you receive the right kind of treatment for your body and needs is essential to the success of the process.
During an initial examination and consultation, an experienced physician could go over the various options for how estrogen and testosterone supplements can be taken, and work to determine which option would be best for you. Once you start receiving HRT treatments, you can do your part to improve your odds of a favorable outcome by seeking regular follow-up care, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle, and ensuring you only take as much medication as prescribed.