Hormone Replacement Therapy
LONGEVITY & HEALTHSPAN SPECIALIST
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Optimal Wellness
The effect of reproductive hormones on overall health is extensive. Both men and women experience decreases in sex hormones with increasing age which poses significant health risks, reduced quality of life, and speeds up the aging process. At Everest Health Partners, hormone testing is standard for every client to identify risk and prevent harm early! Our priority is to help you safely, effectively, and measurably optimize your health. For many clients, this includes supplementing reproductive hormones to preserve your health and youth.
Men
After age 30, testosterone drops 1% yearly and by age 60, over 20% of men have dangerously low testosterone. This is a concern because testosterone is essential for healthy, youthful function. For individuals who have low testosterone, supplementation has many benefits including improved bone density and strength, increased muscle mass, improved physical function, decreased fat mass and visceral fat, correction of anemia, better sexual function, better mood, and reduced risk of all-cause mortality.
Women
Every single woman experiences a loss of reproductive hormones beginning around age 40, with menopause at an average of age 50. This transition has serious implications for both short and long-term health. In fact, up to 80% of women have significant negative symptoms from this loss of hormones and 100% of women experience health risks associated with menopause. Replacing these hormones in the proper way improves bone density and strength, increases muscle mass, decreases fat mass and visceral fat, improves sexual function, mood, and sleep, ameliorates genito-urinary symptoms, enhances perceived quality of life, and reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and all-cause mortality.
Frequently Asked Questions
LONGEVITY & HEALTHSPAN SPECIALIST
How does Hormone Replacement Therapy work?
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) works by supplementing the body with hormones that are at abnormal levels due to aging or other factors, primarily estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. The main goal of HRT is to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, male hypogonadism, and other hormonal imbalances. The mechanism in which hormone replacement therapy works is by supplementing hormone levels.
As men age, testosterone production by the testes decreases. HRT supplements testosterone to alleviate symptoms caused by its decline.
Types of Hormones Used for Men:
- Testosterone: The primary hormone used in HRT, it helps improve symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, loss of muscle mass, fatigue, and mood changes.
- DHT and Estrogen: These are not typically supplemented but monitored. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is a potent androgen derived from testosterone, and estrogen levels can increase as testosterone is metabolized. Balancing these is important to avoid side effects like prostate issues or gynecomastia.
As women approach menopause, the ovaries produce less estrogen and progesterone. HRT supplements these hormones to reduce the symptoms caused by their decline.
Types of Hormones Used for Women:
- Estrogen: The primary hormone used in HRT, it helps relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and bone loss.
- Progesterone: Added for women who still have their uterus to prevent the risk of endometrial cancer that can be increased by estrogen alone. It helps balance the effects of estrogen on the uterine lining.
How is Hormone Replacement Therapy administered?
HRT can be administered in several forms, depending on the patient's needs and preferences:
- Oral Pills: Taken daily, they are a common form of HRT.
- Transdermal Patches: Applied to the skin, they release hormones steadily into the bloodstream.
- Topical Gels and Creams: Applied to the skin, these can provide localized or systemic hormone delivery.
- Vaginal Rings, Tablets, and Creams: Used primarily to treat vaginal and urinary symptoms of menopause.
- Injections and Implants: Provide a longer-term release of hormones into the body.
What are the benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy?
- Relief from Menopausal Symptoms: Reduces hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and discomfort during intercourse.
- Bone Health: Helps prevent bone loss and reduces the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures.
- Mood and Mental Health: May improve mood swings, depression, and other emotional symptoms related to menopause.
- Cardiovascular Health: There is some evidence that HRT, when commenced near menopause, may have beneficial effects on heart health.
- Cancer risk: There is some evidence that HRT, when commenced near menopause, may reduce the risk of multiple forms of cancer.
Can Hormone Replacement Therapy help me?
Hormone replacement therapy should be carefully managed by healthcare professionals to ensure the benefits outweigh the risks and to tailor the treatment to the individual's needs. At Everest Health, we work with you to create individualized HRT based on:
- The severity of your symptoms
- Your social and family medical history
- Your specific health risks and benefits
- Your health metrics
Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the most appropriate type, dosage, and duration of HRT for each individual. Regular follow-ups and monitoring are also important to manage any potential risks. At Everest Health, we will help you create an individualized care plan to address your needs in order to achieve optimal health.
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