HRT

Hormones are necessary elements in the body that work to assist in the proper functioning of each cell. If the body does not have enough hormones, cells will be unable to carry on with the different biochemical activities. Hence, the various organs in the body will be unhealthy. Hormones are then essential in maintaining an active life.

Hormone levels tend to drop as people age or when suffering certain illnesses. Because of this, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was conceived. Majority of those receiving HRT are women who are going through the various stages of menopause. Menopause is defined as the total and permanent disappearance of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This inevitable condition is a result of a reduced estrogen and progesterone hormone production in the ovaries. Hormone replacement therapy gives menopausal women the hormones that their ovaries originally are able to produce, although not in the exact same amounts.

With over ten million women taking hormone replacement therapy, HRT is one of the most prescribed drugs in the U.S. these days. But even if HRT is widely popular among women, this is not entirely made available exclusively for them. Men are as likely to lose some necessary hormones as women. Just as menopause is an inevitable part of the men’s existence. But while women deal with lesser amounts of estrogen and progesterone, men battle with reduced testosterone hormone levels. Hormone replacement therapy for men is more familiarly known as testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Since a continuous decline in hormone levels is among the leading causes of obesity, loss of muscle mass, and a feeling of overfatigue, there is a great need to address this hormone problem. Moreover, these are not the only menopausal symptoms that are most likely to be experienced as a consequence of estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone deficit.

There are actually several types of hormone replacement therapy. Some women are offered the synthetic hormones which are taken from the urine of horses. Although science may have found this source to be helpful, this may not be the best option. The exact same hormones that a person is naturally able to produce are now readily available.

Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (NHRT) makes use of the natural hormones that are chemically the same as those which the human body produces and utilizes. The goal of natural replacement therapy is to make “graceful aging” possible in both men and women. Supplemental hormones are capable of providing hormone levels normal for those aged 30 to 35. Science has not yet come up with a supplement that will restore your level to that of an 18 year old. However, an improvement in the hormone level means an increase in energy, vibrancy, and enthusiasm for life. Moreover, it also prevents the onset of certain health conditions such as heart disease, cancer, and osteoporosis.

But there have been several opposing stands regarding the health benefits and/or hazards of the various hormone replacement therapies. While some studies claim that it can help in the prevention of some of the most dreaded diseases like cancer, other studies reveal that HRT can actually increase one’s risk of developing breast cancer and heart disease. Certain HRT types have greater risks than others, and each patient’s lifestyle and personal health history can affect his risks as well.

Since there is an ongoing debate on the topic, it is hard to weigh the benefits and downsides of HRT. Hence, before you decide on taking HRT, ensure that you have extensively discussed all the advantages and potential risks that come with the hormone treatment. Evaluation should also be conducted every six months while you are on HRT to assess the effects of the therapy. Make sure you don’t leave your self out in the dark.