What Signs Tell Me I Need Hormone Replacement Therapy?
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Hormonal imbalances can happen to anyone, and the side effects can interfere with your health and happiness. At Dallas Cosmetic Center in Dallas, TX, board-certified gynecologist Dr. Otto Huertas treats patients using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
Keep reading to learn more about how to recognize the signs that you may need to be tested for a hormonal imbalance or need hormone replacement therapy.
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy is a treatment for men and women who show a hormonal imbalance. It's available to patients of all ages, but it’s typically most helpful for those experiencing symptoms of early menopause or andropause.
Using pellet therapy, in which a small pellet of slow-release hormones is surgically placed beneath the skin, Dr. Huertas can help replenish your natural hormone levels and reduce symptoms of an imbalance. They typically last 4 – 6 weeks, after which a patient will need to reevaluate their symptoms with Dr. Huertas and decide whether or not to get another pellet implant. Sometimes, HRT can be prescribed as a pill, patch, cream, or suppository.
Bioidentical HRT uses hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, that are identical on a molecular level to the ones already in your body. This reduces the risk of complications.
What are the first signs that you may need HRT?
The signs of a hormonal imbalance can be slightly different in men and women. However, weight gain and a loss of libido may be signs that a patient is going through early menopause or andropause and would benefit from hormone replacement therapy.
While it may be hard to talk about these symptoms, it’s necessary to get medical assistance to balance your hormones. It's best to see Dr. Huertas and get a physical exam, blood work, a urinalysis, and any other necessary diagnostic imaging to get to the root of the problem.
What are other signs that hormone replacement therapy is right for you?
Other signs that you may have a hormonal imbalance include:
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Trouble sleeping
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Low energy
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Unexplained moodiness
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Depression
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Hair loss
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An unexplained loss of muscle mass
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Other sexual dysfunction (such as erectile dysfunction in men or painful intercourse for women)
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Symptoms of menopause in women (such as hot flashes)
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Loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
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Brain fog
While some of these symptoms are part of modern life, a combination of symptoms or the unexplained onset of symptoms that interfere with your well-being is always important to bring up during a medical appointment.
What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
While some symptoms may improve in 2 – 3 weeks after bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, more severe or complex symptoms may take longer to address. It can take up to six months to see the benefits of BHRT.
The benefits of hormone replacement therapy may include:
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Increased energy
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Improved mood
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A boost in sex drive and sexual function
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The ability to concentrate
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Improvements in skin and hair health
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Weight loss
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The ability to boost muscle mass
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Diminishing symptoms of menopause or andropause
Get bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in Dallas, TX
While BHRT is not a permanent solution, it does allow the body to acclimate to natural hormonal imbalances.
Are you experiencing signs of menopause or andropause and want to learn if bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is right for you? Schedule a consultation with board-certified gynecologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. Otto Huertas at Dallas Cosmetic Center in Dallas, TX.