The smooth functioning of the body depends on hormones. They provide us with the health, vitality, and well-being we need throughout the day. Multiple body systems depend on them, including moods, sleep patterns, digestion, metabolism, cardiovascular function, sexuality, and fertility.
Low estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone can be treated with hormone therapy. It can be obtained through a primary care physician. If you believe your hormones are not functioning optimally, speak with your doctor about a blood test.
A prescribed hormone can be taken orally or applied topically as injections. Hormone replacement therapy increases levels of estrogen and progesterone in postmenopausal women and testosterone in men with low or no testosterone production.
A synthetic hormone is used to replace low or imbalanced hormone levels. These are usually administered in the form the patient prefers. You can, for instance, receive treatment through oral contraception, injections, creams, and patches. In general, however, most physicians believe injections are the most effective delivery method.
The Benefits of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is generally used to restore youthful hormone levels, treat hormonal imbalances, and control symptoms of hormone deficiency that are causing a variety of health problems. There are many distinct types of hormone therapies that range in their effectiveness and convenience for the patients.
If low hormone levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are elevated and imbalanced, the result is a life-changing improvement in health, vitality, and well-being. The hormonal benefits include increased energy and cardiovascular function, as well as reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
More specifically, this treatment can help women who want to experience increased menstruation and fertility. Or it can help both men and women experience a reduced risk of autoimmune disease.
With age, hormone production decreases, affecting the internal organs that perform a complex series of functions. As hormone secretion decreases, it becomes more difficult for vital organs to perform basic physiological functions, such as extracting nutrients, processing waste, and stimulating sexual interest.
As bodily functions become less efficient, this leads to a decline in overall health. Hormone therapy works by “booting up” a wide spectrum of functions. As an example, estrogen improves a woman’s mood, skin, and hair when it is present. However, when estrogen levels are low, negative symptoms are likely to occur, like moodiness, dry skin, and brittle hair, which, of course, lowers overall quality of life.
Besides age-related causes, hormonal levels may fluctuate due to chronic stress, certain medications, smoking, or eating habits, such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
Symptoms of low hormonal levels include:
- Menopause
- Andropause, which is the male version of menopause
- Hypogonadism, which is characterized by low testosterone levels.
- A variety of hormonal issues, such as adrenal, thyroid, and growth hormone disorders.
Unless done properly or under the supervision of a well-qualified medical provider, hormone therapy can be risky. One caveat to hormone therapy is to avoid self-administering synthetic hormones from illicit Internet pharmacies. This is common among bodybuilders, weightlifters, and other strength athletes who want to increase muscle size and strength with synthetic testosterone. Another caveat is that hormone therapy may not be the right solution for certain hormone-related problems. For instance, it is detrimental for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) because it may increase their risk for breast cancer and heart disease.
Overall, it may be said that hormone therapy has been proven to slow down, stop, and even reverse the signs and symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles, dry skin, thinning hair, and baldness. It can transform a person’s appearance and feelings of well-being, resulting in a youthful appearance, a more cheerful outlook, and increase energy and zest for life. However, these benefits are only possible after medical specialist designs a comprehensive treatment plan for the patient. For hormone replacement therapy to maximize its benefits, physicians must first recognize the overall hormonal environment within a patient and monitor and adjust the introduction of synthetic hormones appropriately. Call us at 205-352-9141.
How We Can Help
Today, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is becoming increasingly popular among patients who are trying to find a natural solution to their symptoms. Taking these hormones can improve your health, mood, and energy levels. They differ from synthetic hormones, which are usually derived from animals. The natural substances in these hormones have been shown to have physical and psychological effects on the body. People throughout the Birmingham, Alabama area can receive bioidentical hormone therapy at our IV clinic in Hoover, AL. You can consult our medical doctor to determine if hormone therapy based on blood testing is right for you by calling 123-456-7890.