Hormone replacement therapy can treat a wide range of conditions. Doctors can prescribe hormone replacement therapies for women diagnosed with menopause or those who cannot produce enough hormones due to medical reasons like surgery or radiation treatment. Other hormone replacement therapies are fantastic for men in managing erectile dysfunction (ED) or low testosterone levels. Patients with osteoporosis may also benefit from hormone replacement Lady Lake. It is also an excellent treatment for autoimmune and inflammatory patients.
There are multiple types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Each has slightly different effects on the body, but all aim to mimic normal hormone levels and balance hormones in women who have experienced a natural decline in hormone production.
Injectable HRT
In this type of treatment, doctors administer hormone replacement as an intramuscular injection. It involves injecting hormones directly into your bloodstream through a needle inserted in the arm or buttocks area (or other injection sites). Injectable hormones are more expensive than other methods because they require frequent injections to maintain therapeutic levels. Doctors may use injectable hormone replacement therapy in those with a history of breast cancer or at high risk for developing breast cancer due to genetics or other factors. It may also benefit women whose ovaries are removed due to ovarian failure.
Your doctor will choose the right type of hormone according to your age, current level of risk of osteoporosis, and other medical conditions. Most women use estrogens, but some may prefer to use progesterone.
Oral HRT
Oral hormone replacement therapy consists of taking low levels of hormones, via tablets or patches, for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.
Oral HRT is ideal for women who do not want to use any other type of treatment. It is suitable for women with a BMI between 25 and 30. Specialists can also prescribe progestogen-only pills to women who have had a hysterectomy but still have ovaries, as this may reduce their osteoporosis risk.
Doctors may prescribe oral HRT up to five years after giving birth to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis. If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor will discuss your options before deciding which type of HRT would be best for you.
Transdermal HRT
Transdermal HRT involves putting a patch on your skin that contains synthetic estrogen and progesterone. Transdermal HRT is ideal for treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also relieve mild to moderate depression and help prevent osteoporosis. Your doctor may ask you to wear the patch for 12 hours daily. You may also need to change it every three months. Transdermal HRT is very convenient because you can apply it directly from the bottle. However, there is still a need for a prescription or doctor’s visit.
If you have been diagnosed with a hormone problem, you must get treatment from an endocrinologist. These doctors specialize in treating endocrine diseases, including the pituitary gland and thyroid gland. They can help you understand why these organs are malfunctioning, and they will prescribe the correct dosage of medicine for your body to function correctly again. Contact Integrated Family Medical Center and request an appointment with a doctor if you have any questions about hormone replacement therapy.
