Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a treatment that uses hormones to treat hormone-related conditions in women and men. Hormone replacement Lady Lake is designed to balance your estrogen and progesterone levels, which may be low if you have menopause or are taking certain medications. While HRT can be beneficial for most people, it is essential to talk with your doctor about whether or not it is right for you.
Here are the various types of hormones and telltale signs that you need HRT.
Types of hormones
1. Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands responsible for developing and maintaining female characteristics. It plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle (menstruation) and the growth, development, and maintenance of female sexual characteristics. In women, estrogen levels peak during reproductive years, between ages 12 and 30. As women age, their production of estrogen gradually declines.
2. Progesterone
Progesterone is a female sex hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle by stimulating uterine contractions and preparing the uterus for pregnancy. Progesterone is also responsible for maintaining bone density during pregnancy and helping regulate certain metabolic functions such as carbohydrate metabolism and calcium absorption.
3. Testosterone
Testosterone occurs naturally in men and women, but it is primarily produced by the testes (testicles). After puberty, testosterone levels decrease naturally as you age. By contrast, men with low testosterone levels may have problems with sexual function or have other health problems related to this hormone imbalance, such as depression or osteoporosis (thinning of bones).
4. DHEA
DHEA, also known as dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands and brain. It is converted into testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is typically produced at a much lower level than what you would produce if you were not taking hormones. The human body produces approximately three to five mg of DHEA per day. The average person has 30 mg in their system at any given time.
Telltale signs that you need hormone replacement therapy
Hot flushes and night sweats
Some women experience hot flashes (sweating) during the day and night when they are stressed or made to feel upset. This is called a hot flash disorder. If you have this problem, it can become a regular occurrence.
Irregular periods
The pituitary gland controls the menstrual cycle in your brain, which releases hormones that stimulate ovaries to produce an egg each month (ovulation). If you have low hormones produced by your pituitary gland, you may notice either irregular or absent periods or both.
Mood swings
Mood swings are a major sign of hormone imbalance. They may be mild or severe and can occur at any time. Mood swings can be either positive or negative, with an increase in energy and a decrease in fatigue often occurring if the hormones are out of balance.
Hormone replacement therapy treats symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats, mood changes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness. It may also be used to prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. While hormone replacement therapy has been shown to improve the quality of life for most people, it is crucial that you talk with a professional from Kalpana Desai, MD, about how this treatment can be of benefit to you.