Almost half of all postmenopausal women report having received hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. Both women and men seek HRT to deal with the symptoms associated with a decline in hormones in the body. So, how do you know if you need HRT? If you’re an otherwise healthy adult, but have any of the following conditions or symptoms, hormone replacement therapy may be for you:
Hot flashes & Night Sweats
Hot flashes, or a sudden warm feeling in the upper body, are probably the most recognized symptom of menopause. During a hot flash, your face may redden and you’ll begin sweating profusely. The exact cause of hot flashes is unknown, but declining hormone levels related to menopause appear to be correlated.
Night sweats are just hot flashes while you are sleeping. Sufferers will awaken drenched in sweat and with an intense warm feeling. Night sweats are also not fully understood yet, but hormone levels seem to play a role.
Irritability, Depression, & Anxiety
Fluctuating hormone levels due to menopause, especially the levels of progesterone, can cause frequent mood swings. Up to 70% of menopausal women report feelings of irritability. If left untreated, depression or severe anxiety can develop.
Vaginal Dryness, Itching, or Burning
Vaginal lubrication is, at least in part, controlled by estrogen. During menopause, estrogen levels in the body decline, causing uncomfortable vaginal symptoms.
Painful Intercourse
Due to decreased vaginal lubrication, sexual intercourse can become painful during menopause. Friction burns and sores can result if the vagina’s natural lubricant is not replaced, either with treatment with HRT or by using synthetic lubricant.
Osteoporosis
HRT is an excellent alternative for patients suffering from bone thinning who haven’t responded well to traditional treatment. Estrogen plays a significant role in bone health, so HRT for osteoporosis treatment focuses on increasing estrogen levels safely.
Weight Gain
Low estrogen levels due to menopause encourage fat deposits in the stomach area. This visceral fat increases the risk of many conditions, including diabetes and heart disease.
Decreased Muscle Mass
Muscles depend on estrogen to help power the stem cells that promote regeneration after injury or strenuous activity. When estrogen levels fall during menopause, muscles lose the ability to repair themselves. Many men and women experience a notable decrease in muscle mass due to this estrogen decline.
Low Energy & Sleep Disturbances
Changing hormone levels for perimenopausal and menopausal women can keep the brain active when it should be sleeping. Women who experience this phenomenon will notice a constant feeling of sleepiness.
Premature or Early Menopause
Premature menopause, also known as early menopause, is simply menopause that occurs earlier than age 40. It is not yet clear why some women experience menopause early. Premature menopause sufferers have all the same symptoms as regular menopause, notably the inability to get pregnant.
Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is different from premature menopause because POI sufferers can still ovulate intermittently, while women who have experienced menopause do not ovulate at all. Some POI patients may even get pregnant. In almost all cases of POI, the exact cause is unknown.
TLC Medical in Tampa offers Biomed hormone replacement therapy. Biomed therapy uses bioidentical hormones, which are compounded into pellets. Prior to beginning hormone therapy, your blood hormone levels will be measured. The physician will use these results to determine your hormone dosage. This ensures that you receive hormone supplementation your body needs. The hormone pellets are inserted into the fat of the hip or buttocks area using a local anesthetic and are released over time. This reduces the risks and side effects associated with HRT. Our trained medical professionals will customize your treatment plan to ensure maximum safety and optimal results.
Don’t let hormones control your life any longer. If you suffer from hormonal imbalances, call us at (813) 874-1852 to schedule a consultation for Biomed hormone replacement therapy today.
