What is hormone replacement therapy and how does it work? Hormone therapy is the treatment of hormonal imbalance in the body. Hormones play an important part in the overall health and wellness of the human body. Hormone production during childhood and puberty remain active and are responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics such as breasts, pubic hair, and facial development. As women age, hormones gradually become less active and some can even be lost to the body altogether. Hormone deficiency can lead to serious medical conditions including cancer and diabetes.
Hormone replacement therapies can help women who have
experienced menopause to restore their normal active sex hormone levels.
Menopause is the end of the menstrual cycle that occurs after the age of forty.
During menopause, women produce little or no natural sex hormones and the body
has no way to replace them. The decreased production of sex hormones is
responsible for many of the symptoms women experience during menopause such as
irritability, insomnia, vaginal dryness and moodiness. When estrogen and
progesterone levels in the body are depleted, these symptoms can occur more
frequently, last longer or cause other problems such as breast cancer and
polycystic ovarian syndrome. To restore normal female hormone levels, female hormone replacement therapy or
menopause treatments are often recommended.
Two of the most common benefits of hormone replacement
therapy are reducing the risk of developing heart disease and osteoporosis.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women of all ages and this
condition is more common in postmenopausal women. As estrogen levels decrease,
women experience an increased risk of developing heart disease as well as a
decreased risk of developing osteoporosis. There is also some evidence that
estrogen may reduce the risks of uterine cancer and breast cancer. Some experts
believe that the reduced levels of estrogen may also lower the risks of
prostate cancer. Estrogen levels are believed to play a role in the formation
of uterine tissue and some studies have found that high levels of estrogen in
the body can be linked to the formation of uterine tissue.
Women who take estrogen therapy or who are women who have
undergone the procedure should not be concerned about developing certain health
conditions as a result of taking these medications. These medications are
usually prescribed for a specific period of time, usually from one to five
years. During this time, women should not smoke, do not use alcohol and
exercise regularly. If these precautions are taken, there is no clear evidence
of the benefits of these drugs. However, if symptoms persist or develop into a
problem, your doctor may recommend an alternative medication that is less
toxic.
Women who are diagnosed with what is known as the
perimenopause often wonder what the best course of action is for hormone
replacement therapy. The first thing a doctor will likely do is refer you to an
endocrinologist, or an internal medicine doctor. An endocrinologist specializes
in the management of hormone disorders, including perimenopause and menopause,
and may work in conjunction with a gynecologist, a surgeon or a clinical
therapist. This doctor will be able to determine what is going on with your
body and recommend a course of treatment. Some of the things he or she might
suggest include dietary changes, lifestyle changes or surgery.
There are two different types of hormones that are used in
hormone therapy. One is clomiphene citrate or commonly referred to as "the
contraceptive pill". This is a synthetic form of estrogen that is used in
women who have only mild perimenopause and who would not want to take a hormone
therapy that might have severe side effects. The other is ethinyl estradiol or
Erythromycin. This is an actual estrogen that is taken by mouth.
There are also risks that are involved when using what is
sometimes called "the vaginal dryness hormone replacement therapy".
This medication is often used in post-menopausal women who experience symptoms
of vaginal dryness and are having trouble getting pregnant. There are risks
associated with this type of therapy and many women choose to continue other
menopause treatments.
When you combine bio identical hormones with what is often
referred to as "the pill", you create a natural hormonal balance in
your body. You will not experience the serious risks of a chemical imbalance
and you can rest assured that you are not putting your health at risk. If you
are experiencing symptoms, don't delay. Talk to your doctor today about bio
identical hormones and a safe way to relieve menopause symptoms.
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