When women go through menopause, their bodies experience numerous changes as they adapt to shifting hormone levels. These changes can lead to a range of symptoms, including mood swings, hot flashes, and depression. Hormone replacement therapy in Massachusetts could make a significant difference by naturally replacing these diminished hormones.
Hormone replacement therapy could also benefit certain men who are experiencing the negative effects of unusually low levels of testosterone. Massachusetts patients should reach out to our Connecticut office for more information about this treatment option.
During a woman’s childbearing years, her ovaries produce progesterone and estrogen to regulate her body’s calcium use and reproductive cycle. As women age and the production of these hormones decreases, they may develop symptoms such as diminished sex drive, low energy, bone loss, hot flashes, and mood swings.
Men’s hormone levels also decline as they age. While hormone imbalance can occur at any point, it most commonly occurs around the age of 40, when men’s testosterone levels reach their lowest point – this is also known as andropause. Signs of male hormone imbalance include:
When hormone replacement therapy first gained popularity as a viable form of treatment, physicians would typically prescribe synthetic medications made from the urine of a pregnant horse. Synthetic drugs have become less widely used in recent years, leading to an increased prominence of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy.
Dr. Edward Jacobson would develop a customized blend of hormones and other treatments to replace a patient’s depleted hormones. Bioidentical hormones are made with plant-based extracts and are available in the form of an injection, cream, implanted pellet, gel, or patch. The body recognizes bioidentical hormones as molecularly identical to naturally-produced ones.
Before starting hormone replacement therapy in Massachusetts, Dr. Jacobson would conduct careful testing to ensure the correct dosage levels for an individual patient. It could be necessary for the physician to adjust the dosage according to a patient’s symptoms after treatment begins. For men specifically, the doctor could recommend several other treatment options such as:
For women in Massachusetts, hormone replacement therapy replenishes progesterone and estrogen levels and reduces the effects of hormonal imbalance. Hormone replacement therapy could also lower their risk for cataracts, tooth loss, and diabetes and promote a more comfortable and productive life.
Men who have undergone hormone replacement therapy have also reported numerous benefits including an improved mood, heightened energy levels, reduced body fat, a boost in muscular strength, and increased sexual performance.
Bioidentical hormone therapy has substantially fewer side effects in comparison to other types of hormone treatments, and most patients experience positive results. Some men have reported oily skin or acne, decreased testicular size, decreased sperm count, mild fluid retention, and increased red blood cell count after undergoing testosterone therapy. Massachusetts men who have been previously diagnosed with prostate cancer should speak with their physician before beginning hormone replacement therapy.
Some studies have linked synthetic hormone replacement therapy to an increased risk of stroke and osteoporosis in women, as well as certain kinds of cancers like breast cancer. Menopausal women could also be at greater risk for uterine cancer when using estrogen hormone replacement therapy.
While there are risk factors associated with hormone replacement therapy, it is still the best way to treat menopausal symptoms in women and testosterone imbalance in men. Dr. Jacobson can discuss with you the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy in Massachusetts, as well as advise you on how it would affect you specifically. Reach out to our Connecticut office today to evaluate available treatment options for alleviating your symptoms and improving your overall health and wellness.