The body contains important components known medically as hormones. These substances are further labeled messenger chemicals because they carry important information instructing numerous bodily systems to perform many critical functions.
Common hormones include metabolic chemicals like insulin, in addition to sexual and reproductive messenger carriers called testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. The aforementioned substances and numerous others help the body digest food, break down nutrients, build muscle and bone mass, develop libido, and foster the ability to reproduce.
For a variety of reasons, however, one’s hormonal levels may decline over time. Such events could result in a number of unpleasant to potentially significant symptoms. When said circumstances arise, afflicted subjects might go through a remedial process known as hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
This medical procedure is usually administered to correct deficiencies of reproductive hormones like testosterone, the chief male sexual hormone, and estrogen, which is the primary female reproductive messenger chemical.
Though effective and safe in a solid percentage of people, the process, which is sometimes abbreviated as HRT, does come with certain risks. Researchers have found that undergoing said treatment might increase the recipient’s chances of developing potentially serious or life-threatening ailments such as blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, certain forms of cancer, and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease.
Potential Alternatives To HRT
With such sobering facts in mind, healthcare providers might express reservations about administering such therapy to individuals possessing a personal or family history of the preceding maladies. Fortunately, however, there are numerous other natural options geared towards boosting insufficient hormonal levels.
Alternatives To Hormone Replacement Therapy
Exercise
Researchers maintain that partaking in a regular fitness regiment can naturally increase systemic hormonal concentrations. Moreover, physical fitness may prevent or reverse muscular or bone damage precipitated by declining hormonal levels. Preferred types of exercises include weight-bearing, flexibility training, aerobic, and strengthening movements.
Stress Management
Individuals facing heightened or continual tension experience precipitous rises in bodily chemicals called stress hormones. Over time, these substances limit the effectiveness of other hormones, most notably reproductive hormones. Therefore, those experiencing hormonal decline are firmly urged to partake in productive stress-releasing activities and tension-busting techniques.
Quit Smoking
Researchers have found that smoking could bring forth hormonal fluctuations. Therefore, this habit should be greatly curtailed or stopped entirely.
Dietary Alterations
One might naturally boost their systemic hormonal levels by making specific dietary alterations. Healthcare providers and dietary professionals strongly suggest significantly limiting or eliminating foods containing chemicals including:
- Caffeine
- Sodium
- Alcohol
- Soy
- Excessive sugar quantities
- Bitter or sharp spices
As a general rule, persons concerned about their hormonal concentrations are implored to avoid processed, frozen, or canned edibles as much as humanly possible.
On the positive side, said subjects are urged to heighten their consumption of calcium and Vitamin D. These nutrients play a role in hormone regulation and might ease some of the physical and mental manifestations associated with their deficiencies.
Natural Supplements
Certain natural supplements might elevate systemic hormonal quantities including:
- St. John’s wort
- Black cohosh
- Chaste tree
- Sage
- Maca
- Milk thistle
- Ginseng
- Licorice
- Evening primrose oil
Though natural, herbal supplements should not be ingested indiscriminately and could elicit side effects. Ergo, prospective users should discuss their plans to utilize said products for hormone elevating purposes with their healthcare provider before beginning any type of therapeutic protocol.
Palliative Treatments
Certain efforts might not necessarily influence hormonal levels but ease the symptoms associated with their deficiencies and include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This undertaking, which is often abbreviated as CBT, teaches participants to change their thought processes and learn to develop a more positive outlook. Such efforts have been shown to improve mood and sleep patterns to combat the fatigue and irritability associated with hormonal fluctuations.
Regulating Surrounding Air
Declining hormonal levels could precipitate elevated body temperatures and flushed skin. These annoyances may be combated by keeping surrounding air temperatures cool and ensuring rooms are properly ventilated.
Contacting Us
Individuals who believe they might be a candidate for hormone replacement therapy are urged to consult with the regenerative medicine professionals employed by Vital Force Therapy and Wellness.
We can offer a full examination and a full review of a patient’s blood work. If a hormone deficiency is detected, our team members will review one’s health history and determine if HRT is the best course of treatment.
For additional information about us or the other services we provide, call us at 205-352-9141.