/assets/images/provider/photos/2812808.jpeg)
Let's Talk About Fixing Your Hormone Imbalance
Your endocrine system is an intricate network of glands and organs that produces and delivers hormones where they’re needed most. Almost every cell in your body requires optimal levels of hormones to function.
Hormones are responsible for bone and muscle health, blood pressure and metabolism regulation, appetite, sexual development, sleep cycles, and more.
Since hormones are so vital, not having optimal hormone levels can significantly impact your health and wellness. That’s why our team, led by Maria Cole, APRN, FNP-C, at Enrich Health and Wellness in Boerne, Texas, offers hormone replacement therapy.
When a hormone imbalance affects your quality of life, hormone replacement therapy can help. Learn what this powerful treatment can do in this month’s blog.
Understanding hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a term that encompasses various techniques that use synthetic hormones to replace those you’ve lost.
In most cases, we recommend HRT to address hormone levels that have dropped as you’ve gotten older. However, we also use this therapy to manage conditions that affect hormone levels, such as Cushing syndrome or hypothyroidism.
Who needs hormone replacement therapy?
Both men and women who struggle with hormonal imbalances as they grow older can benefit from hormone replacement therapy.
For women: You may notice signs of perimenopause as early as your mid-30s, with full-blown symptoms peaking around your 40s or 50s. As you get closer to menopause, estrogen levels can decrease significantly, causing many unpleasant symptoms, such as:
- Hot flashes
- Mood swings
- Weight gain
- Sleep disturbances
For men: Your testosterone levels peak around age 18, and then steadily decline during adulthood. Around ages 40-50, you may experience symptoms of low testosterone, including low libido, weight gain, and mood swings.
HRT seeks to restore low hormone levels and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
What to expect from HRT
Before undergoing hormone replacement therapy, our team sits down with you to discuss your symptoms. We also test your hormone levels to determine which hormones need a boost, whether estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone.
You can also choose your hormone delivery method, including topical creams, pills, injections, and pellets, based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Most often, you can get the best results from HRT if you also make healthy lifestyle choices. We recommend that you eat a nutritious diet, drink plenty of hydrating fluids, get regular exercise, and prioritize quality sleep.
To learn if hormone replacement therapy is right for you, call Enrich Health and Wellness today or use our online booking feature to schedule a consultation with our team.