What Is Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy is the treatment used to replace the hormones that the body no longer produces due to a hormone production deficiency disorder or from age. Hormone replacement therapy is most commonly associated with the treatment of post-menopausal women. Although the symptoms of low hormone levels generally aren’t apparent until the age of 40 or 50, many middle aged adults can benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Both men’s and women’s bodies begin to slow down the production of hormones typically once they reach the age of 30; men begin to produce less testosterone and women being to produce less estrogen.

Hormone Replacement Therapy For Menopause

Generally as a method to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease, progestin and/or estrogen, is given to postmenopausal women as a hormone replacement therapy. Although in recent years there have been some clinical studies that have shown there to be health risks involved, it was later shown that the risks were only associated to certain women. Hormone replacement therapy is typically most beneficial to women to experience premature menopause and have a higher risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Using hormone replacement therapy at an older age has been associated with higher risk of health problems so it’s important to consult a specialist to determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.

Hormone Replacement Therapy For Testosterone

Once men reach the age of 30 their bodies start to produce less testosterone and as they age their bodies produce less and less. This lower level of testosterone production results in a number of symptoms, including:

• Weight gain
• Low sex drive
• Low libido
• Low levels of energy
• Depression and mood swings

Those all sound pretty terrible, and they are, therefore many middle-aged men will take advantage of hormone replacement therapy to treat low levels of testosterone. Testosterone therapy has very few risks and quite a few benefits, resulting in a very desirable form of hormone therapy.

To learn more about hormone therapy please contact Scottsdale Health Center.