HRT stands for hormone replacement therapy. It is a medical treatment that supplements hormones when the body can't produce enough on its own, often due to aging. Hormones play an essential role in a wide range of bodily processes like metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, reproduction and mood.
Hormone levels naturally decline with age, leading to symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, and depression. This is especially common during perimenopause and postmenopause in women as estrogen levels fall. Men also experience drops in testosterone as they get older, resulting in changes like reduced muscle mass, weakness, depressed mood, loss of body hair, decreased bone density and sexual problems.
- Some of the key reasons people pursue HRT include:
- Alleviating troublesome menopausal symptoms
- Slowing bone loss associated with osteoporosis
- Reducing risk factors for conditions like heart disease and stroke
- Improving energy levels, mood, mental sharpness, and sleep
- Restoring sexual function and desire
There are two main types of hormone therapies:
- Estrogen therapy - Usually prescribed for women going through perimenopause or after menopause. Replaces missing estrogen to relieve hot flashes and more.
- Testosterone therapy - Given to older men or women to improve declining testosterone levels. May be prescribed as a cream/gel, patch, implant or injection.
- Common benefits reported with HRT include:
- Reduced menopausal symptoms - Like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness
- Improved sexual function - Restores desire and arousal, decreases pain
- Better sleep
- Improved mood, cognition and memory
- Healthier skin, hair and nails
- More energy and decreased fatigue
- Warding off osteoporosis and brittle bones
- Potential improvements in heart health and cholesterol levels
- Enhanced quality of life
~~However, there are some risks as well:~~
At Vitality Renewal Clinic(), we specialize in customized hormone therapy planning and treatments tailored to your unique needs. Our specialists stay informed on the latest hormone research to design regimens to help you look and feel your best with minimal side effects. We offer:
- Comprehensive hormone panel testing
- Individualized therapy prescribing
- Adjustments based on follow-up bloodwork and symptom monitoring
- Complementary treatments like bioidentical hormones, testosterone pellets and creams
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and lab testing! We look forward to helping you improve your vitality, health and wellbeing.
