There are some things in life that we simply have to accept. Ageing, and the changes to our body that come with it, is one. There are cosmetics and treatments that we can use to stem the signs of ageing. Botox, for example, is a tried and tested routine that can be performed in less than an hour and that removes wrinkles and lines from the skin with great success.
But it’s not Botox we’re talking about here. Instead, we want to look at Hormone Replacement Therapy – or HRT – and how to tell if you might be at the stage of life when you may benefit from such treatment. We’ll also look at why women and men might need HRT, and the conditions that it can be used to alleviate. The hormone therapy center of Miami Florida can help.
Who is a Candidate for HRT?
The idea behind hormone replacement is not a new one, and the various methods used have been for many years. What brings about a need for HRT? There is one well-known reason why women undergo HRT: the menopause. A little-known fact is that men have their own version – the andropause – although while this affects some men, menopause is inevitable for all women except in unusual circumstances.
So, persons experiencing the menopause or andropause are candidates for HRT. This normally occurs in women in their 40’s and men beyond their 50’s, yet this is not set in stone. Furthermore, HRT can be used to treat male pattern baldness, and also for low levels of thyroxin hormones. Why, then, do we reach an age where HRT is necessary? We’ll explain this by using the menopause and andropause as the examples.
What Symptoms Should I Look for?
A woman’s reproductive cycle usually works like a clock. The ovaries produce eggs usually once a month or so, which induces her period. However, there comes a point where the ovaries stop performing this process. As mentioned above it is most often in her mid-40’s but can be earlier or later in certain circumstances. What has this to do with hormones?
Hormones are the chemical messengers that take instructions around the body. There are many and they are secreted by glands. The two we are interested in here are testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Reading these two names you most likely think of the sexual organs. That’s expected, as each does play a large part in the development and operation of the sexual organs.
However, they each have an influence on many other areas of day-to-day life. Both have an influence on bone density, while testosterone is a muscle builder. Each has an influence on our cognitive performance, and also on our state of mental health. The following are some of the symptoms a woman may notice as she enters menopause:
- Hot Flushes
- Night sweats
- Insomnia
- Dryness and thinning of the skin and particularly the vaginal area
- Diminished sex drive and loss of sensitivity to stimulation
- Hair Loss
- Anxiety
- Forgetfulness that may include an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease
- Depression and other mood changes
Now here’s a comparative list that shows the symptoms in men:
- Low energy levels
- Depression or feeling very low
- Lack of motivation
- Poor self-confidence
- Difficulty concentrating on anything
- Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
- Putting on weight
Clearly there is some overlap in terms of symptoms experienced by both men and women. In men, the condition is generally embarrassing, may lead to loss of self-esteem and can also put a strain on a relationship. In women, the mood changes can be considerable as here monthly cycle is part of her biological make up, and that coming to an end has a massive effect on her general health.
Should either a man or a women begin to experience symptoms as described above they are strongly advised to seek medical diagnosis. In each, many of the symptoms of menopause and andropause can equally be indicators of other illnesses – diabetes especially – so it needs to be check over and the root cause established.
Once you have seen a doctor and they have concluded that the usual hormonal changes are culprit they will more than likely refer you to a Miami HRT center, and you will be seen by a consultant who will discuss your options. That brings us neatly to a section where we talk about those options.
How Does HRT Work?
Put simply, HRT works by slowly releasing replacement hormones into the bloodstream via one of a number of methods. The hormones used are usually bioidentical hormones. These are produced in a laboratory to match those of the patient and are therefore safe and effective. The methods of administering HRT include the following:
- Oral pills containing replacement hormones that are taken daily.
- Creams and lotions rich in the hormone for applying to the skin.
- Patches that release the hormone through the skin.
- Regular injections of replacement hormones into the body.
- Pellet therapy in which small pellets containing the replacement hormones are inserted under the skin and release the substance directly within over time.
As we can see, each of the above requires continual or repeated procedures as HRT is not a permanent routine. So, if you think HRT would benefit you here’s what to do.
How Do I Get a Referral to the HRT Clinic?
HRT can be the key to living a healthy life in one’s later years, and your doctor will happily refer you to a clinic in Miami that specializes in these routines. Please make an appointment right now if you are suffering any of the symptoms described, and you will soon begin treatment that make you feel far better than you do.