Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment for people whose bodies are not producing enough hormones on their own. It involves the use of synthetic or naturally-derived hormones to bring hormone levels back to normal. HRT can help with symptoms related to hormonal imbalances including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, low sex drive, and depression.
HRT works by replacing the hormones that your body isn’t making itself. This process restores balance of hormones in the body and helps reduce symptoms associated with hormone imbalance. Depending on what type of hormone deficiency you have, doctors may prescribe different types of HRT such as estrogen or testosterone replacement therapy. Estrogen is usually used to treat menopausal symptoms, whereas testosterone is usually used to treat conditions such as hypogonadism.
HRT is available in different forms and dosages. The most common types are oral tablets, patches, gels, sprays and injections. Your doctor will help you determine which form of HRT is best for you based on your specific symptoms and needs. It should also be noted that taking hormones carries risks of side effects including increased risk of developing some cancers, stroke or heart attack. Therefore it’s important to discuss potential risks with your doctor before beginning treatment.
Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to be effective in treating some medical conditions caused by hormone deficiencies such as menopausal hot flashes and vaginal dryness. In addition, HRT has been found to reduce the risk of certain diseases such as osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes. However, it is important to remember that each individual situation is different and discuss any risks with your doctor before beginning treatment. In conclusion, hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment used when the body does not produce enough hormones on its own.
Depending on what type of hormone deficiency you have, doctors may prescribe different types of HRT such as estrogen or testosterone replacement therapy. It should be noted that taking hormones carries risks of side effects including increased risk of developing some cancers, stroke or heart attack so it’s important to discuss potential risks with your doctor before beginning treatment.