What causes hormone imbalance?
As you get older your body undergoes many changes, including a decrease in the production of sex hormones. In women, it’s referred to as menopause or perimenopause, which is the transitional period when hormone levels begin to fluctuate before you reach menopause. In men, it’s referred to as andropause, low testosterone, or low T.
How do I know if my hormones are out of balance?
Both men and women experience similar symptoms as their hormone levels start to decrease. These symptoms include:
- Night sweats and hot flashes
- Difficulty sleeping and fatigue
- Weight gain
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction in men, vaginal dryness in women
- Mood changes or depression
- Foggy thinking
- Thinning hair
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, the team at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine can test your hormone levels to determine if you’re out of balance and provide treatment.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a form of treatment aimed at improving your hormone levels to reduce symptoms of imbalance.
For women
Hormone replacement options for women include:
- Estrogen
- Estrogen with progestin
- Estrogen creams
- Bioidentical hormones, a more natural form of hormone replacement therapy
With the exception of the vaginal creams, most of these hormone replacement options come in a variety of forms, including pills, patches, creams, gels, and pellets. The team works with you to help determine the best replacement and method of delivery.
For men
Men only need to take testosterone to restore balance. Like the hormone replacement options for women, testosterone hormone therapy is available in a variety of forms, including patches, injection, as an inhalation, pill, and pellets. If you have low T, the team at Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine will work with you to help improve your levels.
Will I need hormone therapy for the rest of my life?
Hormone replacement therapy for women isn’t meant to serve as a long-term treatment. It’s recommended that you take the lowest dose of hormone replacement possible for the shortest period of time to reduce your risk of developing complications such as heart disease or stroke.
For men, the team will monitor your testosterone levels and make adjustments to your hormone therapy as needed.
To improve hormone balance and get relief from symptoms, call the location nearest you or schedule an appointment online.
