A Comprehensive Overview of All Types, Uses, and Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Published on: Aug 07, 2023 / Last Updated on: Aug 07, 2023 / REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
A Comprehensive Overview of All Types, Uses, and Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining our overall health and well-being, acting as chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system. They regulate various bodily functions, instructing organs, skin, muscles, and tissues on what to do and when to do it. From growth and development to sleep cycles, metabolism, sexual function, and mood regulation, hormones influence a wide range of bodily processes.

However, when certain hormones are too low or imbalanced, it can lead to a variety of health issues known as hormonal imbalance. This condition can affect people of all ages and genders. This article will address the basics of hormone imbalance and explain all the different treatment options for hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can manifest in many different ways depending on the specific hormones affected. Some common symptoms include:

  • Irregular Menstrual Periods: Changes in menstrual flow or irregularity.

  • Mood Swings and Emotional Disturbances: Experiencing anxiety or depression.

  • Weight Management Issues: Difficulty losing weight or unexplained weight gain.

  • Fatigue and Low Energy Levels: Feeling tired and drained frequently.

  • Hair Problems: Hair loss or thinning hair.

  • Reduced Sex Drive: Decreased libido and lack of interest in sexual activities.

  • Sleep Disturbances: Insomnia or problems with sleep patterns.

  • Digestive Problems: Gastrointestinal issues and discomfort.

  • Skin Troubles: Acne and other skin-related problems.

In some cases, specific conditions can also result from hormonal imbalances, such as infertility due to PCOS (excessive androgen production in females) or diabetes due to abnormal insulin production in the pancreas. These symptoms, regardless of their severity, can significantly affect an individual's well-being and require medical attention.

Causes of Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal imbalances can stem from various factors, including natural processes that occur during different life stages and rare conditions affecting a small number of individuals. Fluctuations in hormone levels are normal throughout life, and events like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can lead to significant changes. External factors like increased stress, steroid use, or certain medications can also influence hormonal fluctuations, but these are often temporary and not chronic imbalances.

Chronic hormonal imbalances requiring medical intervention may result from non-cancerous tumors, adenomas, or growths near hormone-producing organs, significantly affecting hormone levels. Additionally, autoimmune conditions can unintentionally target organs responsible for hormone production, leading to imbalances.

Types of Hormone Replacement Therapy

woman using skin patches for HRT

The treatment for hormonal imbalance depends on its underlying cause. For some individuals, lifestyle changes like improving diet and managing stress levels can help restore hormone balance. In more severe cases, medical interventions or therapies may be necessary.

Hormone replacement therapy comes in various forms of administration. Before making a decision, it’s important to do your research to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each option thoroughly. And be sure to consult with your doctor before getting treatment to know which type of HRT suits your needs best. Here are some of the most common forms of receiving HRT:

Tablets

Tablets represent one of the most prevalent forms of HRT, usually taken once daily. They offer both estrogen-only and combined HRT options, making it a straightforward treatment method for many women dealing with menopausal symptoms.

However, it is crucial to be aware that tablets come with certain risks, such as an increased chance of blood clots compared to other HRT forms (though the overall risk remains low).

Skin Patches

Skin patches are a popular method of HRT administration. These patches adhere to the skin and require replacement every few days. They are available in estrogen-only and combined HRT variations.

If taking a tablet daily is inconvenient, skin patches may offer a better alternative. Furthermore, they help avoid some HRT side effects, like indigestion, and they do not elevate the risk of blood clots.

Estrogen Gel

An increasingly favored form of HRT is estrogen gel, applied to the skin once a day. Similar to skin patches, gel application is convenient and does not increase the risk of blood clots. For women with a womb, combining progestogen with the estrogen gel is necessary to reduce the risk of womb cancer.

Vaginal Oestrogen

Vaginal estrogen offers relief from vaginal dryness but does not address other symptoms like hot flashes. Available as a cream, pessary, or ring, it does not carry the typical risks associated with HRT and does not increase the risk of breast cancer. For women with a womb, the advantage is that progestogen is unnecessary when using vaginal estrogen.

Testosterone Gel and Patches

Testosterone treatments often come in the form of transdermal patches and gels. These can be more effective and longer-lasting than basic testosterone supplements. They can effectively boost testosterone and have convenient self-application.

However, these transdermal treatments can be costly and also require frequent administration. Some potential side effects include irritation of the skin which can be unsightly.

BHRT Pellet Therapy

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy involves the use of bioidentical hormones which are synthetic hormones that are biochemically identical to the hormones produced in the body. Unlike other synthetic hormones labeled "natural," which come from food sources and require extensive processing, bioidentical hormones are the closest match to organic hormones.

BHRT pellets are small rice-sized capsules that are inserted into the hip area, where they gradually dissolve, releasing calibrated doses of hormones over time. BHRT pellets come in several HRT variations and are able to address several specific hormonal imbalances. Typically, optimal results are seen after the second round of treatment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hormone replacement therapy comes in various forms, each with its advantages and considerations. Discuss your options thoroughly with a medical professional to make an informed decision based on your unique needs and health considerations.

By understanding the causes of hormonal imbalance and exploring various treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their symptoms and improve their overall health and well-being.