It is normal for both men and women to experience hormonal fluctuations throughout their lives. This is something that naturally occurs during puberty, pregnancy, menopause, and as a result of the natural aging process. Genetics and lifestyle also play a role in hormonal fluctuations. Unfortunately, there are people out there who are experiencing abnormal fluctuations in their hormones. This has caused many to turn to hormone replacement therapy.
One of the main questions that needs to be answered when a person is addressing a hormonal issue is if the fluctuations are normal. It is necessary to find the answer to this question in order to decide on the right form of therapy or to see if a problem health is to blame for the hormonal fluctuations. The idea is to get a person feeling their best, which will allow them to enjoy the highest quality of life possible.
The Importance of Getting Tested
When you visit our office for the first time, one of the things that our doctor will request is that some tests are performed in order to see where your hormone levels are. There is no reason to supplement hormones if a person has normal hormone levels. Just think of it like when a doctor prescribes insulin to be given for someone with type I or II diabetes. A doctor would not prescribe this for someone who has normal insulin levels.
When our doctor looks at the results of your tests, they will be able to look at your hormone levels and compare them to what is normal for an individual who is your age. If you are not deficient, this is a good thing. However, you may be dealing with health problems that cause you to think that you have a hormone deficiency. We can assess your overall health and figure out what is causing you to feel not like yourself. If you are deficient, then our doctor may recommend hormone replacement therapy.
It is good to point out that producing less hormones as you get older is a normal process. So it is true that women will produce less estrogen as they get older. However, this does not mean that they are necessarily deficient. Their body may be producing just the right amount that it needs. So our doctors are focused on determining a true deficiency and then recommending a therapy that can fix the problem.
What are Your Symptoms?
Our doctor is going to ask you about the symptoms you are experiencing. It is important that you try to lay out your symptoms as clearly as possible. Some have found that writing their symptoms down in a journal in the months and weeks before their appointment is helpful when expressing the way they have been feeling to the doctor.
Something that our doctor will consider is if the symptoms you are experiencing are appropriate for your age. For example, it is common for women to experience symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, headaches, and other menopause-related symptoms when they reach 48 years of age or older. However, if you are a woman in your 30’s, you should not be experiencing these symptoms. If this describes a situation similar to the one you are experiencing, the doctor will likely have your saliva and blood tested in order to determine your hormone ratios. If the symptoms that you are experiencing are not appropriate for your age, hormone replacement therapy may be able to benefit you.
Types of Hormone Treatments
As we mentioned at the outset, it is common for both men and women to experience fluctuations in their hormones. Men and women can experience hormone deficiencies. The type of hormone deficiency you have will determine the type of therapy that you need.
The most common therapies that are used today include estrogen, testosterone, and HGH. HGH is the human growth hormone. It is available for both men and women. There is also a combination of progesterone and estrogen treatment available.
Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy
If our doctor determines that HRT is the right option for you, you can expect to enjoy quite a few benefits. You are likely to see unpleasant symptoms that you are experiencing go away and will notice that the quality of your life improves.
While most people think of testosterone as being a male-related sex hormone, it is actually necessary for both men and women to live a healthy and happy life. Estrogen therapy is for women who have had a hysterectomy. Combining progesterone and estrogen is beneficial for women who have a uterus but are experiencing hormone deficiencies and unpleasant symptoms. HGH and testosterone are normally bioidentical hormones, while progesterone and estrogen are typically synthetic hormones.
If it is determined that you would benefit from testosterone treatment, you can expect improved sexual functions and responses. You will notice that your muscles are more toned and stronger. Your bones will be stronger, and your hair will be thicker. If you had thinning or balding areas, you may notice some hair regrowth. You can also expect lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, better sleep, a happier mood, increased red cell production, and more energy and stamina.
If it is determined that HGH injections are the right option for your hormone deficiency, you are going to see an improvement in the health and appearance of your nails and skin. Your immune system will function better, which means that after getting sick, you will have shorter recovery times. You may see an improvement in your eyesight. And you will experience increased cellular regeneration and internal organ growth.
It is common for women who are experiencing early menopause symptoms to be prescribed a combination of estrogen and progesterone. Or they may just receive estrogen. Women who receive these treatments can expect healthier and thicker hair, better sleep, improved brain function, and fewer menopausal side effects. The condition of their muscles and bones will also improve.
The Best Candidates for HRT
While there are a wide variety of benefits that individuals can experience with different forms of hormone replacement therapy, these treatments are not for everyone. Before recommending any treatment, our doctor is going to want to thoroughly assess your overall health in order to make sure that a certain treatment is right for you.
If a woman has previously had breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer, it is likely that HRT is not the right option for her. Additionally, if men or women have had liver disease, blood clots in their lungs or legs, or a stroke, this is likely not a good option for them.
Some women do not feel like they need any type of therapy when they are experiencing menopausal symptoms. If you are about 48 years of age and you are not bothered by these symptoms, then you do not have to feel like HRT is a must for you. As opposed to using any type of hormone replacement therapy, the doctor may recommend that you make lifestyle changes or use other medications or treatments to help you cope with the menopause symptoms.
What to Expect When You Visit Us
We are excited to work with individuals who are looking to improve their health and the quality of their lives. We understand that dealing with uncomfortable symptoms that are associated with hormone deficiencies is something that can put a serious damper on your life. You can feel confident when you visit us knowing that we are here to help. We are not quick to just recommend a prescription and let you go on your way. We want to know exactly what is going on with your body and then we will recommend a solution that will get you feeling great.
You are warmly invited to contact us to set up a consultation. When you visit us for the first time, you are going to be able to meet with one of our doctors. Be prepared to explain your health history and the symptoms that you are experiencing. The doctor will likely run some tests, most likely blood and saliva tests, to check your overall health and your hormone levels.
If it is determined that HRT is the best course of action to help you improve your health, the doctor will give you exact instructions on what you will need to do in order to benefit from this therapy. Some individuals need injections, others take pills, and others may use a patch that contains the hormone that is prescribed for them.
We have seen many of our clients improve their health with hormone replacement therapy. This may be the right option for you if you are experiencing low energy levels, headaches, loss of muscle mass, thinning hair, and many of the other symptoms that are associated with hormone deficiencies. We want to reverse the symptoms with our treatments and improve your mental, emotional, and physical health. Please contact us today to learn more and to set up your consultation! Neurosurgery & Beyond is conveniently located in Sacramento, CA.
