Does HRT Make A Difference?

A variety of hormone imbalances can sap a person of energy, making getting through the day much more difficult. Men and women often benefit from some type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Some of the most common culprits are hypothyroidism and menopause, but hormone-related energy slumps can happen to both men and women. In men, low testosterone is usually to blame, while in women, lower estrogen levels are usually to blame, especially for people who are experiencing perimenopause or menopause. Specifically, testosterone is directly linked with regulating metabolism, but when levels are low, individuals might also struggle with fatigue, weight gain, and low energy.

Understanding hormone therapy

Hormone therapy is a treatment plan that works through supplementation to improve hormone levels in patients. In most cases, the process involves undergoing diagnostic exams to determine current levels, and then creating a strategy that includes prescription hormone replacement medications. Sometimes bioidentical hormones, or artificially produced alternatives, can be used to help regulate hormone levels in people. Usually, these hormones are derived from plant sources and can either be offered as standard prescriptions from pharmaceutical companies or developed as custom blends by compounding pharmacists.

What can be treated

In most people’s minds, hormone therapy is a treatment for menopausal women or people with thyroid issues. However, the method can be used for a wide range of diagnoses, including even cancer treatment. From actively fighting cancerous growths to helping ease symptoms in people who can’t undergo standard cancer treatments, hormones can be incredibly effective at improving outcomes or at least quality of life.

Hormones for mood

Along with addressing actual physical medical conditions, hormone therapy can also be beneficial for people who need mood support. From menopause to simply having a hormonal imbalance, the link between physical and mental health is well documented. Research has shown, for example, that menopausal women often suffer from depression as a result of experiencing the transitional life stage. A recent study found that in a cohort of 170 menopausal women, 62% scored as being depressed according to the study’s guidelines. Respondents were given specialized menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), and researchers observed an improvement in depressive symptoms whether the participants only relied on MHT or were also on antidepressants.

Personalized care

Because hormone levels can range widely between people, customized solutions can be the best option. Personalized hormone therapies allow for more precise solutions that take into account the specific hormones to target as well as adjusting delivery methods to make taking medications easier for patients. Likewise, other factors beyond basic health can be incorporated, such as a person’s diet, activity levels, and even sleep and stress habits. By customizing treatment approaches, specific issues like brain fog, low energy, or even mood swings can be addressed more effectively. If energy, mood, or other lifestyle factors are impacting daily life, consider getting an evaluation to determine if a hormone imbalance is the culprit.