Hormone Replacement Therapy: Is it The Right Treatment for You?

As you age, hormone production decreases in your body and results in uncomfortable symptoms. It is also possible to experience such discomforting symptoms of hormonal imbalance because of stress, certain medical conditions, and medications. Revitalife Medical Center offers Hawthorne hormone replacement therapy to treat your hormonal imbalance and give relief. Hormone replacement therapy focuses on replenishing and restoring hormone levels so you can function normally and feel better. Hormones that may cause imbalance include estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, testosterone, and human growth hormones. Read the following discussion to determine if you can benefit from this therapy.

Who Should Go For Hormone Replacement Therapy?

You make a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy if you seek relief from symptoms relating to hormonal fluctuations. Hormonal imbalance may result from aging, stress, medications, and, most commonly, menopause which may cause several uncomfortable symptoms. Such symptoms include hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido. However, you may have to avoid hormone replacement therapy if you have a pregnancy, stroke, or cancer related to your reproductive health, breasts, and heart diseases. Stroke, unexplained vaginal bleeding, and blood clots may also reduce your eligibility for hormone replacement therapy.

Are There Risks To Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy may present side effects, including bloating, breast tenderness, swelling, and headaches. You may also experience nausea, mood changes, and vaginal bleeding. Certain types of hormone replacement therapy may also increase your risk for breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke, and blood clots. Generally, the benefits of hormone replacement may outweigh the risks.

How Can You Benefit From Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy can relieve moderate to severe hot flashes and night sweats which your doctor can treat with systemic estrogen therapy. Hormone therapy can also ease vaginal symptoms of menopause, including dryness, sexual discomfort, itching, and burning. Additionally, your doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy if you are experiencing early menopause, primary ovarian insufficiency, or have estrogen deficiency.

What Are The Different Types of Hormones For Replacement Therapy?

Hormonal fluctuations can arise from different hormones in your body, leading to uncomfortable and unpleasant symptoms. During your visit, your doctor may recommend estrogen therapy which your doctor prescribes in low doses. Estrogen may come as pills and patches that you use daily, creams, vaginal rings, sprays, and gels. You will require the lowest estrogen dose to relieve your menopausal symptoms. Secondly, you can receive a combination of estrogen and progesterone hormone to treat your symptoms.

Will It Make A Difference Whether Or Not You Have Your Uterus?

Your doctor will recommend estrogen and progesterone hormones if you have your uterus since estrogen without progesterone may increase your risk for endometrial cancer. Progesterone will reduce your risk for uterine cancer by thinning your endometrium. On the other hand, you may not require progesterone if you have had a hysterectomy.

Hormones control different processes in your body, including growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. However, you may develop different symptoms when any hormone level reduces and gets out of balance. Common symptoms include low libido, hot flashes, muscle weakness, hair loss, sweating, and sleeping problems. While hormone replacement therapy may not work for everyone, you can discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy. Generally, the benefits of this treatment will outweigh the risk, especially if you are healthy.

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