As we age, both men and women begin to have lower levels of hormones that affect different aspects of their health. Women may have lower levels of estrogen and progesterone, while men have lower levels of testosterone.
Hormone replacement therapy can help rebalance hormones and help you feel younger again. You might benefit from hormone placement if:
You Have Symptoms of Low Hormone Levels
As hormone levels drop, both men and women may begin experiencing health problems. Common symptoms of low hormones are:
- Lack of sex drive
- Weight gain
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Decreased muscle mass
- Pain during sex or trouble with sexual performance
- Disturbed sleep
These symptoms can have far-reaching impacts on your mental health, your heart health and even your bone and muscle health.
Men might have additional symptoms, such as:
- Thinning hair
- Loss of endurance or strength
- Depression
- Trouble recovering from injuries
Women may also have different symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood problems
If you are experiencing multiple symptoms of low hormone levels and these symptoms are affecting your quality of life, you should speak to your doctor about hormone replacement therapy.
You Are Aging
Even men and women as young as in their 30s may begin experiencing low hormone levels. Women typically see large drops when they are approaching menopause in their 40s, but men can see drops at any time.
For women, hormone replacement therapy is safest and most effective when started before age 60 or within 10 years of menopause. The average onset of menopause is age 51, so many women will benefit then or even a few years earlier.
You Need Help Preventing Health Problems
Women may be at increased risk of bone loss after menopause. If you are a woman with a family history of osteoporosis, hormone replacement therapy can help prevent fractures that could limit your independence.
You Are Otherwise Healthy
Hormone replacement therapy may increase your risk of heart problems or stroke. That’s why you need to stay active and eat well to keep your heart healthy. Your doctor may not recommend hormone replacement therapy if you have a significant family history of heart problems.
Fortunately, your doctor can adjust your hormone dose and how you receive hormones to improve the safety of your treatment.
At Fountain of You, MD in Virginia Beach, we can help you safely and effectively feel younger and more energetic. We can help you improve your health and quality of life so you feel great as the years go by. Contact us at 757-644-4615 to learn more about hormone replacement therapy and schedule your appointment today.
