Hormones may feel tiny, but they have a great effect. They regulate sleep, emotions, weight, energy, sex drive, skin, bones and concentration. Life can get off balance quickly when levels change. A woman can get up from sleep with damp sheets. A man can experience fatigue, fogginess or decreased motivation.

Some people attribute it to stress, to old age or inadequate sleep. Sometimes, hormones are a part of the story, though. Treatment is not about trying to catch up with young people. It is about how to get the body functioning more consistently. Many people experience actual relief with effective testing and treatment.

What is Hormone therapy?

<a title=”Hormone Therapy Jupiter FL” href=”https://hormonelogics.com/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=backlinks&utm_campaign=default“>Hormone Therapy</a> is a form of medical treatment designed to equalize decreasing or fluctuating hormone levels. It can help women during menopause, thyroid changes, adrenal problems or during low estrogen levels. 

It may also be useful for men who have low levels of testosterone, low libido, fatigue or age-related hormonal fluctuations. Treatment should always be based upon symptoms, labs and personal history.

Types of Hormone Therapy Treatments for Men and Women

Different treatments work for different bodies, so care should feel personal, safe, and closely watched.

For Women

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy involves the use of hormones that are similar to the hormones produced by the body. This can involve the use of estrogen, progesterone or a combination of both for many women. Some plans also incorporate the use of the hormone testosterone, if appropriate. 

The idea is not to drench the body. It’s all about getting levels back into a healthy range. A provider may recommend creams, capsules, patches, gels or small pellets. Symptoms are important, as are tests.

For instance, a woman who experiences night sweats and has poor sleep may have a different plan than someone with brain fog. Additionally, dosage adjustments may occur over a period of time. Plans change as the body changes.

Menopause Treatment

The treatment for menopause is directed towards relieving symptoms of decreased estrogen and progesterone. Symptoms can be hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and sleep disturbances. Other women experience dry skin or pain in their joints, and decreased sexual interest. 

Treatment can be estrogen alone or estrogen and progesterone. This choice will depend on the uterus, health risks and goals. 

Dryness can be treated locally on the vagina without affecting the rest of the body. If symptoms are more severe, however, a more widespread plan might be necessary. A successful visit should include risks, benefits and more options on safer doses.

Thyroid Hormone Therapy

When the thyroid gland isn’t producing sufficient thyroid hormone, thyroid hormone therapy can help. Women may feel cold, slow, puffy, sad or very tired if they have low thyroid. It can also lead to dry skin, hair loss, heavy periods or weight gain. Treatment often uses a daily thyroid medicine. 

The dose should be based on labs and symptoms together. Many women feel better when their levels become steady. Still, too much thyroid medicine can cause a racing heart, anxiety, or bone loss.

Growth Hormone Therapy (HGH)

Growth hormone therapy is not an energy booster, but a very specific therapy. It may be necessary for adults to take it if growth hormone testing indicates true growth hormone deficiency.

For women, low levels of growth hormone can impact muscle tone, fat distribution, endurance and recovery. For some, their energy may be depleted or they may not see a fair amount of exercise progress. Treatment is typically carried out via injection and should be carefully monitored. 

Commonly, a low dose is given and then slowly increased. Blood tests are performed to monitor for safety and response. But HGH isn’t necessarily appropriate for all. It may lead to swelling, pain in the joints, numbness in the hands or blood sugar problems.

Adrenal Imbalance

An imbalance of the adrenal glands is an umbrella diagnosis; careful testing is warranted. Adrenal glands assist in regulating cortisol, stress, blood pressure and energy. If levels are low, women can feel wired at night and drained in the morning.

Some experience changes in appetite for salt, dizziness, weight gain in the stomach, or shakiness of temperament. Treatment can involve sleep support, dietary changes, stress support, and medication if necessary. Adrenal medications aren’t necessary for all sleepy people.

For Men

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) is a treatment that can assist men who have been diagnosed with low testosterone and corresponding symptoms. 

If they’re low, you might experience a decrease in sexual libido, diminished penile strength, poor exercise performance, belly fat, low spirits or brain fog. TRT can be administered as injections, gels, creams, patches or pellet forms. 

This will depend on comfort, cost, schedule, and lab response. Good care would involve a blood test before and during treatment. A provider can monitor levels of testosterone, blood count, prostate markers, and estrogen. 

This is important because excess testosterone is a problem. Some men will develop acne, mood swings, fluid retention or an increase in red blood cells. In addition, sometimes TRT decreases fertility.

Erectile Dysfunction Treatment

The first step in treating erectile dysfunction is to determine the cause. ED can be caused by blood flow issues, low testosterone, stress, diabetes, sleep apnea, medications, smoking or heart disease.

Lifestyle measures, improved sleep, weight loss, hormone support and prescription ED medications may be used for treatment. Blood flow can be improved with pills, though it does not correct all the underlying causes. 

For instance, if a man suffers from low testosterone and poor sleep, he will require both of these problems to be addressed. However, sudden ED is not to be taken lightly. It has been known to indicate cardiovascular risk in some cases. It’s worth having a full checkup.

Andropause Treatment

Age-associated or testosterone deficiency in men is frequently referred to as Andropause. It doesn’t occur as heavily as menopause. Rather, these alterations can take place over a long period of time. 

A man may feel less strong, less sharp, less sexual, or less patient. He may also gain belly fat while losing muscle.

TRT can be prescribed where the laboratory tests are indicative of low T. Care can also involve strength training, sleep work, nutrition, stress control and alcohol reduction. The main aim is to keep the function steady and not too high or too low. A balanced plan is realistic and secure.

Growth Hormone Therapy

Growth hormone (hGH) therapy in men is indicated only in the case of genuine growth hormone deficiency. It’s not a fast fat loss or a path to bigger muscle. Men with low growth hormone levels may experience slower recovery, lower stamina, increased body fat, and/or decreased lean mass. 

Testing is more detailed than a simple routine blood draw. When treatment is right, it is usually given as an injection. The dose should stay careful and personal. 

Conclusion

Hormone therapy can feel less confusing when you know your choices. You may need support for hot flashes, low energy, mood shifts, or desire. A trusted U.S. provider can check your labs and health history.