What Is HRT?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) aims to replace age-related naturally declining hormones with synthetic or bioidentical forms and alleviate symptoms associated with imbalances in both men and women. Hormones regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, and reproductive health. As individuals age, hormone levels and production begin to decline, leading to a range of health challenges. HRT can help restore hormone balance, improving overall well-being and quality of life. Delivery systems vary, including oral pills, transdermal creams, gels, patches, injections, and pellets inserted under the skin. A healthcare provider can evaluate individual needs and create a personalized treatment plan to optimize wellness outcomes.
Menopause effects on hormones
Menopause is a natural biological process that occurs in women as they age, marking the end of the reproductive cycle. During the perimenopausal period, around the mid-to-late 40s, the ovaries begin to produce less estrogen and progesterone, causing vasomotor symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats as well as sleep disturbances and mood changes. These physiological changes can also cause memory fog, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction, adversely impacting daily life. Some lifestyle triggers are associated with worsening symptoms, including alcohol, spicy or hot foods, and smoking.
Male health and hormones
Andropause, often referred to as male menopause, is a gradual decline in testosterone in men with age. Around age 30, most men will undergo about an annual 2% decline in testosterone levels. Symptoms of low testosterone include reduced lean body mass and strength, sleep issues, low libido, decreased bone density, low energy levels, and mood changes.
Long-term health and wellness
Wellness encompasses a holistic approach to health, incorporating elements to improve not only physical appearance but also mental and emotional factors and social connections. Living a lifestyle that is not only free of disease but optimizes health and quality of life. Healthspan refers to the concept of living disease-free in good health and embodies wellness. Lifestyle significantly influences healthspan and includes variables like getting adequate sleep, reducing stress, getting regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet.
Can HRT affect healthspan?
Middle-aged women who are perimenopausal begin to experience the burden of certain diseases, including cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and cognitive, at different times compared to men. The incidence of cardiovascular disease in women, for instance, is delayed by about 10 years in comparison. Estrogen is thought to be mainly responsible for this finding. In reference to disease prevention, HRT initiated in women less than 60 years of age around menopause was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease. Low testosterone in men is also linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), as well as dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease. A healthcare provider can determine the best HRT treatment options aligned with health goals and risk reduction.
Optimizing wellness through HRT
Menopause and andropause affect both men and women at different stages in life. Hormonal imbalances produce a myriad of symptoms, diminish the quality of life and overall wellness, and increase the risk of chronic disease. HRT can be a viable option that improves aspects of living and leads to better health outcomes and longevity. A healthcare provider specializing in HRT can develop a personalized treatment plan to overcome the many pitfalls of age-related hormone decline on a path to ultimate wellness.
