There are a lot of misunderstandings and mistruths out there about hormone replacement therapy, who it is for, and how safe it is. The truth is that HRT has many potential benefits for women and men of all ages, but there are also a few contraindications and risks associated with certain types of treatments.
During an initial consultation, a qualified physician could address common myths about treating hormone imbalances and explain all the facts about your treatment options. Then, if you decide HRT is the right course of action for you, Dr. Edward Jacobson could ensure you get exactly the right medication and dosage to suit your unique biochemical makeup.
In the beginning, the only options available for hormone replacement therapy were artificial in nature, utilizing synthetic hormones that were very similar, but not exactly the same, as the hormones produced naturally by the body. While these hormones were generally effective at achieving their intended purposes, they also had the potential to cause numerous side effects and correlated with long-term conditions like heart disease and blood clots, according to some studies.
Fortunately, modern medical advancements have allowed for the development of bioidentical hormones, which exactly match those produced inside the body. Both types of treatments are available, and patients should talk with their doctors about which option is right for them.
Hormone replacement therapy is commonly used to alleviate the effects of menopause in older women, but that is far from its only application. In addition to replacing estrogen that a woman’s body no longer produces, HRT treatments could also help make up for testosterone losses brought about by andropause in older men. Through hormone treatments, men over 45 may be able to restore lost sex drive, reduce joint pain, address psychological conditions like depression, and potentially even reduce hair loss.
In the same way that HRT treatments could help both men and women of advanced age, they could also help treat hormone imbalances in younger individuals. Various medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, could lead to imbalances, as could a lack of exercise, lack of sleep, or extreme stress.
While it is true that synthetic hormone treatments have been linked to the development of heart disease, liver disease, blood clots, and other hazardous health conditions in the past, bioidentical hormones are considered to be far safer and are often more effective. That being said, you should discuss your personal history with a medical professional before embarking on any new course of medical treatment, such as hormone replacement therapy.
Dr. Edward Jacobson could help determine what types of treatments may be best for you and ensure through follow-up examinations that you continue to get the care you need. Get in touch today to learn more.