All bodies produce hormones, which are biochemicals that are used to stimulate and regulate many bodily processes. Some hormones stimulate hunger or the changes associated with stress and fear. Other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, are reproductive hormones produced by male and female reproductive organs.
People may produce insufficient reproductive hormones for a number of reasons, including age or health challenges. Low estrogen and testosterone can have negative health impacts for women and men, leading to reduced vitality and physical changes. Fortunately, hormone therapy is available for people with hormone deficiencies. You may benefit from hormone therapy if you belong to one of the following categories:
Women Who Have Undergone Menopause
Women typically begin menstruating in puberty. They will continue menstruating each month until they reach menopause, which signals the end of a woman's fertility. During menopause, a woman's body naturally begins to produce less estrogen. This can lead to unwanted symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Women who are menopausal can benefit from hormone therapy to ease these symptoms. Systemic estrogen can be administered in the form of pills and patches. Women whose symptoms are primarily vaginal in nature may benefit from vaginal creams and suppositories for a more targeted approach to hormone therapy.
Women Who Have Had Hysterectomies
Menopause typically occurs as a woman reaches her senior years. However, a hysterectomy may cause a woman to experience early menopause. Hysterectomies are medical procedures that involve the removal of the uterus. In some cases, the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed as well. Women who have had hysterectomies may produce less estrogen or none at all. Hormone therapy can be used to prevent or treat the symptoms of early menopause resulting from this surgery.
Men Who Have Been Diagnosed With Low Testosterone
Women aren't the only ones who can benefit from hormone therapy; men can benefit as well. Male bodies naturally produce more testosterone than women's bodies. Unfortunately, some men produce insufficient amounts of natural testosterone due to their age, lifestyles, or other health conditions. Men with low testosterone may struggle to gain and maintain muscle mass. They may also feel lethargic and depressed and experience low libido.
Hormone therapy for men may consist of oral testosterone supplements or testosterone pellets implanted in the skin. Restoring optimal testosterone levels can increase men's energy levels, combat erectile dysfunction, and improve overall sexual vitality. Hormone therapy can also combat mental health challenges linked to imbalanced hormone levels. For more information, contact a hormone therapy professional near you.