What is Hormone Replacement and Who Needs It?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment used to alleviate symptoms caused by lower hormone levels in the body. Although lower hormones are a natural part of aging, there are other causes that could create hormone imbalance in men and women of all ages. Menopause is one of the most commonly cited maladies associated with the lowering of hormones but there are other reasons for low hormones, resulting in symptoms that can reduce the quality of life for both men and women as they age.
Initially, many assumed that there was a correlation between the use of non-bioidentical estrogen and progestin and increased breast cancer and heart attack. However, as these assumptions were negated, new studies opened the door for more authentic HRT which led to a 2008 hormone replacement study in which it was found that HRT with bioidentical estrogen and progesterone (as opposed to synthetic therapies), had as much risk for heart attack and breast cancer as those who took no HRT.
Since the 60’s popularity of HRT, science has developed biologically identical hormone treatments for both men and women. In addition to the medical administration of HRT, monitoring of hormone levels and necessary adjustments are made to ensure this treatment is beneficial to clients.
Hormone replacement from our Colorado Springs team of professionals at Apollo Medical Associates is a safe and effective way to relieve symptoms associated with hormone imbalance such as:
- Menopause
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
- Irregular menstrual cycle
- Moodiness
- Hot flashes
- Infertility
- Post-partum depression
- Decreased libido
- Weight gain
- Endometriosis
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Vaginal Dryness
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Sleep disturbances
- Night sweats
What are hormones?
Hormones are created by the endocrine system in the bodies of males and females.
For men, testosterone is the most common hormone and is responsible for much more than his body hair, deep voice, and sexuality. Testosterone plays an important role in gender differentiation, pubertal changes, male potency, muscle and fat distribution, sperm production, and much more.
Low levels of testosterone in men can result in:
- Decreased Libido
- Weaker and fewer erections
- Increase in body fat
- Lower energy
- Reduced muscle mass
- Depression
- Anemia (low iron)
- Loss of calcium from bone
For women, Estrogens are vital for not only the development of female sex organs, but – as women age and reach menopause – estrogen levels decline, resulting in a number of problematic issues.
Low Estrogen levels can lead to:
- Mood swings
- Memory loss/problems focusing/irritability
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Stress
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased risk of cardiovascular problems
- Osteoporosis
- Dry skin
- Increased risk of urinary tract infections
- Vaginal discomfort and a variety of other uncomfortable problems