For countless middle-aged and older adults, the aging process gives rise to a wide variety of unwanted and often distressing changes, most of which are directly related to steadily declining reproductive hormone levels.
Metabolism issues, weight fluctuations, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and libido problems can range from mild and annoying to severe and debilitating. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has long been the gold-standard treatment for women going through menopause, as well as men affected by testosterone deficiency, there are plenty of misconceptions about its safety, effectiveness, and benefits.
Here at Cosmetic Surgery Center, we’ve had great success using bioidentical hormones, the most advanced form of HRT available, to help women and men in the Oklahoma City area find long-term relief from the difficult physical and emotional symptoms associated with age-related hormone decline.
Let’s dispel some of the common myths surrounding HRT.
This is arguably the most widespread misconception about HRT. Although it is true that receiving more hormones than your body requires can be risky if you have a history of certain types of cancer, the treatment itself doesn’t cause cancer.
Women with a personal or family history of breast, endometrial, and uterine cancers, as well as men with a personal or family history of testicular or prostate cancers, should have their hormone levels closely monitored by an experienced specialist.
For healthy individuals with no previous history of hormone-sensitive cancer, however, bioidentical HRT may actually help reduce the risk of cancer by maintaining properly balanced hormone levels.
Both women and men can benefit from custom HRT treatments. While HRT may have built its reputation as the go-to treatment for hot flashes and night sweats, two of the most bothersome symptoms of female menopause, men are also affected by an age-related decline in reproductive hormones.
Low testosterone, or testosterone deficiency, causes many men to experience low energy levels, decreased muscle and bone mass, weight gain, decreased motivation, and changes in sexual function. By restoring and maintaining adequate testosterone levels, HRT can help men alleviate or reverse these common symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.
HRT is actually one of the best ways to alleviate mild symptoms and prevent them from becoming progressively more severe or disruptive. Continuous hormone regulation is key to finding long-term relief from symptoms related to menopause or low testosterone.
Not only can HRT help alleviate mild symptoms and make it possible for you to avoid more intense symptoms, there’s also increasing evidence to suggest that starting HRT earlier provides greater protection against the kind of bone loss that can lead to osteoporosis.
Regulating your hormone levels can boost the responsiveness of your metabolism, restore normal energy levels, and help your body do a better job of preserving muscle mass and minimizing age-related weight gain.
HRT can give you a leg up when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight and a leaner body. Reproductive hormones play an important role in maintaining lean tissue, or muscle mass, thereby helping your body burn calories more efficiently.
Your reproductive hormones also help regulate the way your body stores and uses fat, which is why older adults with low reproductive hormone levels are prone to midsection weight gain. Because HRT helps restore your natural energy and vigor, it can give you the energy you need to stay active as you age.
At Cosmetic Surgery Center, we’re pleased to offer bioidentical hormone implantation pellets, the most advanced form of HRT available. Bioidentical hormones, which mimic the natural biological functions of your own hormones, are far more effective than synthetic hormones, and far less likely to cause unwanted side effects.
Implantation pellets, which are surgically inserted beneath your skin to deliver a customized dose of bioidentical hormones directly into your bloodstream, help your body maintain consistent hormone levels.
If you’re ready to discover what HRT can do for you, we’re ready to help. Call our Oklahoma City office today to learn more, or use the convenient online booking tool to schedule an appointment any time.
