Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) or Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)
What is HRT or BHRT?
HRT is a medical treatment that aims to restore hormonal balance within the body, it is hormones prescribed to replace or supplement the ones your body doesn’t make anymore. Hormones are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. Because hormones control anxiety, appetite, body temperature, brain function, heart rate, metabolism, mood, sleep cycles, sexual function, stress, urination, and really everything; imbalances (too low or too high) can lead to uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms.
To restore balance, there are different combinations of hormones and different ways to take them: creams, patches, pills, pellets, injections and more.
For women, this involves supplementing bioidentical hormones (BHRT) that are lost during the menopausal transition, to relieve symptoms associated with menopause.
HRT for males focuses primarily on addressing testosterone imbalances.
Why HRT Treatment?
Hormone replacement therapy preserves and protects optimal function of the body as long as possible and well past menopause or andropause. It can prevent progression of diabetes, reduce cholesterol, maintain sexual function, prevent age related weight gain, preserve muscle mass, increase energy, balance mood, maintain bone, heart and brain health and so much more.
For men taking prescription testosterone or using testosterone stimulating therapy will increase testosterone levels in the blood reversing the symptoms of low testosterone. People who take it may notice improvements in: alertness, sexual function, energy, mood and overall well-being as well as the longer term benefits of slower aging.
For women HRT may be right for you if you want to preserve your health, youthfulness, and longevity. Bioidentical hormones help with prevention of several diseases or unpleasant effects of aging such as osteoporosis, cancer, cognitive decline, stroke, heart disease, hair loss, wrinkles, and mood changes.
Who is a candidate for HRT?
Women who have gone through menopause at any age benefit from HRT. The treatment protects many body systems for what, may very well be, half of their life. HRT for males can be a valuable option for addressing the symptoms of low testosterone such as loss of muscle mass, moodiness, low libido, and fatigue.
For some people, taking HRT is not an option. Generally, those who have had a type of reproductive cancer shouldn’t use HRT, as there is a small risk that it can stimulate already existing cancer cells. Your doctor also may advise against it if you have a history of blood clots, heart disease, stroke, untreated hypertension, liver disease, are pregnant or if you are a smoker.
If not a candidate - there are other naturopathic options
If you and your doctor decide that HRT is not your best option, alternatives are available including lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and complementary medicines to alleviate symptoms. Non-prescription alternatives such as supplements may help reduce symptoms.
For additional details regarding specific naturopathic options as an alternative to HRT, speak with your provider.
Interested in beginning this treatment?
If you are not an established patient with Dr. Mazzola, schedule a New Patient Appointment. For Established patients, book a Follow Up. For those who would like additional information prior to committing to becoming a new patient, you may book a complimentary Discovery Call with Dr. Mazzola.