When is it Time to Consider Hormone Therapy?
As we age, our bodies go through many changes. One of the most significant changes many people experience is a decline in hormone production. Hormones are very important to our health and well-being as a whole, and when they are out of balance, they can cause a wide range of symptoms and health problems.
Hormone therapy, also called hormone replacement therapy (HRT), can help balance hormones and relieve symptoms. Here are some of the different kinds of hormone therapy, the signs that you may need it, and the risks and benefits of HRT.
Types of Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy can treat various conditions, including menopause, andropause (“male menopause”), and thyroid dysfunction. The most common types of hormone therapy are estrogen therapy, testosterone therapy, and thyroid hormone therapy.
Estrogen Therapy
Menopause occurs when the body makes less estrogen as the ovaries stop making eggs. Estrogen therapy treats menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, dry vaginal tissue, and trouble sleeping. Estrogen therapy works by replacing the estrogen that the body is no longer producing. This can help alleviate symptoms of menopause and improve overall health.
Estrogen therapy can be given in many ways, such as pills, patches, gels, and creams for the vaginal area. For example:
- Oral tablets come in different strengths and are taken by mouth. They are usually taken once a day for a few weeks at a time.
- Transdermal patches are applied to the skin and are typically worn for a few days. They come in different strengths and are changed on a regular schedule.
- Gels and creams are applied directly to the skin and are often used for a few weeks. They come in different strengths and are usually applied once or twice a day.
A doctor or nurse can help you decide if estrogen therapy is right for you and advise you on the right dose and length of treatment.
Testosterone Therapy
Testosterone therapy is a form of hormone replacement therapy used to treat the symptoms of andropause, also known as male menopause. Andropause occurs when the testicles produce less testosterone, causing a number of symptoms. Testosterone therapy replaces the testosterone that the body is no longer producing to help alleviate the symptoms of andropause and improve overall health.
Testosterone therapy can be given in many different ways, such as pills, gels, patches on the skin, injections, and pellets. For example:
- Oral tablets come in different strengths and are taken by mouth. They are usually taken once a day for a few weeks at a time.
- Transdermal gels are applied directly to the skin, typically for a few weeks. They come in different strengths and are applied once or twice a day.
- Transdermal patches are applied to the skin and are typically worn for a few days. They come in different strengths and are changed on a regular schedule.
- Injections are given by a medical professional every two to four weeks.
- Pellets are small, rice-sized pellets that are inserted under the skin every three to six months.
A doctor or nurse can help you decide if testosterone therapy is right for you and advise you on the right dose and length of treatment.
Thyroid Hormone Therapy
Thyroid hormone therapy is used to treat thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones, it’s known as hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone therapy replaces the hormones that thyroid gland is not producing to help alleviate hypothyroidism symptoms and improve overall health.
Thyroid hormone therapy can be administered in the form of oral tablets. The most commonly used medication is levothyroxine, which is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4).
It can take some time to find the right dosage of medication and see improvement in hypothyroidism symptoms. Your doctor will change your medicine as needed until your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level is in the normal range and your symptoms improve.
Thyroid hormone therapy is a treatment that lasts a lifetime. To stay safe, it’s important to follow your treatment plan and have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor the effectiveness of your treatment.
Symptoms That May Indicate it’s Time for Hormone Therapy
Several symptoms may indicate a need for hormone therapy.
Menopause symptoms include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Headaches
- Memory Impairment
Andropause symptoms include:
- Low sex drive
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass
- Mood changes
- Decreased energy levels
- Erectile dysfunction
Thyroid dysfunction symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- Depression
- Constipation
- Cold intolerance
- Muscle weakness
- Joint pain
Keep in mind that some people may have less obvious symptoms, like lack of energy, trouble sleeping, or less motivation. These symptoms can be caused by hormone imbalances and can also be treated with hormone therapy. Your doctor will be able to help you understand the source of these symptoms.
Potential Benefits & Risks of Hormone Therapy
When considering hormone therapy, it’s important to consider both the risks and benefits. Some studies have shown that hormone therapy may increase the risk of certain health conditions, such as breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. The risks of hormone therapy depend on the type of therapy, the number of hormones given, and how long the treatment lasts.
At the same time, hormone therapy can also provide potential benefits. In certain conditions, hormone therapy can alleviate symptoms and improve overall health. For example, hormone therapy can help improve bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in cases of postmenopause. It can also improve mood and cognitive function, muscle mass, bone density, and libido in cases of andropause.
It’s important to note that hormone therapy is not recommended for everyone. For example, if your medical history includes breast cancer, prostate cancer, or blood clots, you should not take hormone therapy.
Request a Hormone Consultation with Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding
Hormone therapy is a promising form of treatment for a wide array of conditions and symptoms. It can keep hormones in balance and relieve symptoms so you can feel your best. Before starting treatment, it’s important to talk to a professional who can help you decide if it’s right for you and advise you on the right dose and length of treatment.
As a longstanding and reputable source for bioidentical hormone therapy, Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding is dedicated to helping you improve your quality of life through hormone balancing. If you feel that you may need hormone therapy, please request a hormone consultation from our team of professionals. If our pharmacists determine that you may benefit from hormone replacement therapy, we will help you obtain a prescription-based hormone therapy written by your physician.
