Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Right for You?

Do you feel less and less like your young, energetic self with each passing year? Getting older can affect your physical, mental, and sexual health until it starts affecting your quality of life. Exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and getting plenty of sleep can counteract the effects of aging for some people, but others benefit from the boost that hormone replacement therapy provides.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) consists of male or female hormones designed to restore estrogen or testosterone levels that decrease naturally with age. The hormones can be delivered in numerous ways, including pills, creams, patches, and pellets.

Signs You Need Hormone Replacement Therapy

If you suffer from hormone depletion, you may feel as though the life has been sucked out of you. Symptoms of low hormone levels associated with aging include:

• Low libido
• Weight gain
• Thinning hair and dry skin
• Insomnia
• Mood swings and irritability
• Depression and anxiety
• Heart palpitations
• Difficulty focusing and concentrating
• Hot flashes and night sweats (in women)
• Vaginal dryness (in women)

Who Should Not Get Hormone Replacement Therapy?

HRT isn’t for everyone. Your doctor will carefully assess your medical history to determine if hormone replacement therapy could increase your risk of health problems. Specifically, HRT may not be right for you if you have any of the following:

• A history of uterine, ovarian, or breast cancer (in women)
• A history of prostate cancer (in men)
• A history of blood clots
• Uncontrolled hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Liver disease

BHRT—Hormone Replacement for Men & Women

Not all hormone replacement therapies are created equal. The most common synthetic hormone is made from the urine of pregnant horses and progestin, a synthetic form of progesterone.

On the other hand, bioidentical hormones are molecules with the same cellular structure as hormones produced by the body. They can be created using plant materials or synthesized in a lab. Either way, the end molecule is biologically identical to your body’s natural hormones.

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) has transformed healthcare for both men and women as they age. Pharmacists are able to administer a custom, long-release dosage for your unique needs via a pellet inserted under your skin. It’s a newer, more effective take on older hormone replacement technology.

Benefits of Hormone Replacement

With a custom dosage of BHRT, men and women can expect these benefits:

• Enhanced sex drive
• Increased energy levels
• Improved fat-to-muscle ratio
• Better sleep
• Improved mental clarity
• Enhanced mood and sense of well-being
• Fewer night sweats and hot flashes (in women)

Find Out If You’re a Good Candidate for BHRT

If you’re interested in getting started with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, take this survey to see if you’re a good candidate. Then, call Effective Integrative Healthcare at 410-729-2200 or contact us online to schedule a free hormone replacement consultation. We have locations in Crofton, Millersville, and Lanham, MD.