5 signs that you need hormone replacement therapy
Hormone shortages can produce significant changes in our bodies at various phases of our lives. Although hormone imbalances are a normal aspect of ageing, they can have a number of detrimental consequences for our overall health.
Fortunately, treatment options such as hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), can help alleviate many of these bothersome symptoms.
In reality, the advantages of hormone replacement treatment can assist both men and women’s mental and physical health. One of the most significant advantages of hormone replacement therapy is that some, such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can be tailored to meet the specific demands of your body.
HRT vs. BHRT – what is the difference?
Throughout your life, your body develops its own hormone supply to support a variety of vital physiological and neurological processes.
However, as people become older, their normal hormone production slows, and this can be interrupted by a range of health and lifestyle factors.
Hormone replacement treatment, which replenishes the supply of essential hormones, can compensate for these losses. But, which do you choose?
Human-derived hormones cannot replace your natural hormones. As a result, traditional HRT has relied on synthetic and animal-derived hormones that closely resemble human hormones and may thus be utilised by the body in a similar manner.
The bioidentical hormones used in BHRT, on the other hand, are chemically identical to human hormones and are derived from naturally occurring plant molecules such as yams and soy. Your body reacts to them as if they were your own hormones because they are a perfect fit.
What are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy?
1. Menopause and perimenopause symptoms
When most of us think about hormone deficits as we become older, we immediately think of menopause. Extreme perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause symptoms can cause a lot of misery in the lives of hundreds of millions of women all over the world.
Many women want immediate relief from the unpleasant hormone changes they may be experiencing throughout menopause.
Below are some of the symptoms women may experience during this time:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Low mood
- Decreased sex drive
- Weight gain
- Thinning hair
2. Hair loss
Hair loss in men and women is often caused by genetics, but hormones also play a significant role in
hair loss, and can be experienced during the menopause. Dihydrotestosterone, generally known as DHT, is the primary hormone to blame – hair follicles may be compromised if there is an imbalance in this testosterone by product.
Stress is also a factor in hair thinning. The adrenal gland has to work extra to create stress hormones like cortisol when men and women are under a lot of pressure. Unfortunately, when our adrenal glands are overactive, it can lead to a significant hormonal imbalance. As a result, individuals may notice hair thinning or hair loss.
3. Mood swings
One of the most obvious indicators of a hormone shortage can be our mood changes as
hormones are usually to blame when we suffer with anxiety, mood swings, depression and more. Although some mood fluctuations are normal, you should be concerned when they become frequent and severe.
4. Decreased sex drive
Is it possible that hormonal imbalances are causing issues in the bedroom? Hormones, which are linked to libido and sex drive, will also influence performance and pleasure. As a result, a shortage of specific sex hormones in men, such as testosterone, and oestrogen and progesterone in women, can lead to intimacy issues.
Reduced oestrogen levels in women can lead to vaginal dryness and soreness during intercourse. Low testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction and exhaustion in males. Fortunately, hormone replacement therapies can balance all of these hormones.
5. Sleep issues
One thing we can all agree on is that getting a good night’s sleep is essential to live a healthy lifestyle. When our sleep cycle is disrupted, even a routine day at work might seem hard.
Sleep loss is often a side effect of menopause and hormone imbalances could be keeping you awake at night if your sleep pattern is disrupted.
When hormones disrupt sleep, you may experience the following negative effects:
- Insomnia
- Hot flashes
- Lack of concentration
- Brain fog
- Irritability
- Memory Loss
- Anxiety
Conditions that cause a drop in hormones
Hormones naturally decrease as you become older. Certain disorders, however, can result in abnormally low levels of sex hormones, which may necessitate treatment. These conditions include:
- Menopause/perimenopause/andropause
- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency
- Breast Cancer
- Infertility
- Endometrial hyperplasia
Takeaway
As we have established, there are a host of causes that can lead to hormonal imbalances, and there are treatment options available. Click the following link if you are interested in learning more about
BHRT treatment.