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Are You a Candidate for Hormone Therapy?

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Hormones play a vital, often overlooked, role in the regulation of all of our body processes. From our metabolic rates to how quickly new skin cells turn over, hormones are essential to keeping everything int he body running smoothly – so you can see how things might start to go off the rails when hormonal fluctuations associated with aging begin. At Infinity MedSpa in Sudbury, MA, we know the key to a healthy and happy life is finding the right balance with hormone therapy.

Are You a Candidate for Hormone Therapy?

Broadly speaking, everyone experiencing hormonal fluctuations can be a candidate for hormone therapy. There isn’t really any set age or medical restrictions for this treatment, although it is more common for older adults, such as those aged 45 or older, to seek this therapy. Candidates for hormone therapy include those who have attended the required physical examinations and who have completed labs. You are likely to be a candidate for this treatment if you have:

  • Changes in libido
  • Unexpected weight gain
  • Concentration or memory issues
  • Mood swings
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Sudden changes in body temperature

Do You Have These Signs?

If you aren’t sure you’re a candidate for this treatment, then you might want to be on the look-out for certain signs. While we all go through hormonal fluctuations throughout the month, it is extreme or sudden fluctuations that cause the most problems. This treatment may be right for you if one or more of the following signs apply to you. Signs to watch out for include:

Multiple or Severe Symptoms

There are many symptoms associated with hormonal changes. The severity of these symptoms vary from person to person; in fact, not all people with hormonal fluctuations will experience the same symptoms or the same symptoms to the same degree. If you have multiple symptoms associated with hormonal changes, or if those symptoms are severe, then it might be time to consider this treatment.

The comprehensive list of symptoms associated with hormone changes include:

  • Low sexual interest
  • Difficulty with sexual arousal
  • Inability to gain or sustain an erection
  • Loss of sexual sensitivity
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Reduced muscle mass or strength
  • Decreased stamina
  • Loss of hair
  • Thinning or dryness of hair and skin
  • Anemia
  • Hot flashes or sudden sweating
  • Sudden unexpected weight gain
  • Confusion or brain fog
  • Fatigue
  • Memory difficulties
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety and depression

Early Menopause or Andropause

The onset of menopause and andropause are normal calling cards of hormonal changes. Both menopause and andropause are associated with aging, specifically when the normal levels of estrogen and testosterone fall to a consistently low level. For women, menopause is a signal that menstruation and childbearing are over; for men, andropause is typically linked to low testosterone.

However, both menopause and andropause can have an early onset. Early-onset is a sign that your body is having an unexpected hormonal fluctuation, either due to illness or stress. The early onset of menopause and andropause has been linked to further health issues later in life, which is why early-onset is so concerning. When menopause or andropause happens during the 40s, the culprit is likely a severe hormonal imbalance. If you have early-onset, then seeking treatment sooner rather than later is the smart choice.

Unique Family History

Your family history may also determine when you should seek treatment. If your relatives have a history of certain conditions such as anemia, osteoporosis, or colon cancer, then seeking hormone therapy as soon as you show symptoms of hormonal fluctuations may be a good idea – and a good preventative measure. Osteoporosis, in particular, is linked to low levels of sex hormones in the body.

Disruption of Daily Living

If your symptoms are severe enough to disrupt your normal daily living, then it is likely time to seek treatment. Disruption to daily living includes an inability to sleep, difficulty with short-term memory, mood changes, lack of energy, and a negative impact on your sexual health. The full human experience means you are able to express all desires, so when hormones are interfering with your baseline normal behaviors, then seeking treatment is necessary.

Additional Health Concerns

If you have symptoms of hormonal imbalance along with other health concerns, then you should know that hormone treatment may be able to help with medical concerns. Health concerns such as cardiovascular and bone health are particularly sensitive to hormonal fluctuation. Your ability to lose or manage your weight also depends on your hormones.

FAQs About Hormone Therapy

1. What Kind of Hormones Are Used?

Several years ago, all hormone treatments uses synthetic hormones from animals, such as horses, to replace lost hormones. This was called hormone replacement therapy and is today considered an inferior form of hormone treatment. Today, most clinics use bioidentical hormones for therapy.

2. What Are Bioidentical Hormones?

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that derive from natural sources, such as soy or yams. True to their name, bioidentical hormones are those that are biologically identical to the hormones produced by the human body. Bioidentical hormones are able to be easily received by hormone receptors in the body and mimic the behavior of human hormones.

Why Are Bioidentical Hormones Better?

Bioidentical hormones are considered a better form of hormone treatment because of how similar they are to human hormones. This similarity means that there is a very low risk of unintended side effects associated with this treatment; it also means that these hormones are gentler on the body and are more effective. Bioidentical hormones are considered a natural treatment that is safe for all people.

3. What Are Your Treatment Options?

For treatment with bioidentical hormones, there are actually several options that can be used. The type of treatment used for your therapy generally depends on the dosage of hormones you require to find balance. Men generally have more options for hormone treatment because their options include patches, gels, and intramuscular serum injections.

Best Treatment Option: Pellets

Whether you are a man or a woman, the best treatment option available to you is typically pellets. Hormone treatment with pellets is the current gold standard for therapy, especially because this treatment option is easy on the patient and easy to administer. Pellet therapy is appropriate for all patients, regardless of how severe the hormonal imbalance.

Why Are Pellets Better?

Pellet therapy is the best option for a couple of reasons. For one, pellets have a controlled dose of hormones that are released over a long period of time. Secondly, unlike other treatments that require a messy application, once pellets are inserted, the therapy takes care of itself.

How Do Pellets Work?

Pellet therapy is administered via intramuscular injection. The pellets used for treatment are about the size of a grain of rice; once inserted into the body, pellets are slowly absorbed by the body’s natural metabolism and processed. Pellets have a slow-release of hormones that work for several weeks at a time.

Where Are Pellets Placed?

Pellets are generally inserted into densely-muscled areas. The most common area of placement is the buttocks, however, it is also possible to have pellets placed on the flanks or the hips.

4. What Can You Expect Before, During, and After Treatment?

Consultation

You will need to attend a consultation appointment at our clinic to assess whether you are a candidate for this therapy. Your consultation will include a discussion about your symptoms and your expectations for treatment. We may also examine your physical condition or talk about any health difficulties you have been having lately. If you are a woman, we will ask about the date of your last cycle.

Treatment

Your treatment appointments will include the application of a topical numbing cream for your comfort during treatment and the insertion of a gauged needle to inject the pellet into your skin. Your treatment appointments typically take less than 30 minutes to complete.

Recovery

There is no recovery time associated with this treatment. You are able to drive yourself home once it is complete and resume all normal daily activities.

5. When Can You See Results?

Although the time it takes for your results to show up may depend on how many hormones you need to reach hormonal balance and how well you respond to treatment, on average most patients begin seeing results from the treatment within 2 to 4 weeks. Results are optimal and able to be fully enjoyed about 6 weeks post-treatment.

How Long Do Results Last?

The results of your treatment last for an average fo 4 months at a time. There are some factors that may contribute to your results lasting more or less time. For example, your age may dictate that your results will last less time. Your gender may also play a role; while women can expect results to last for 3 to 4 months, men can expect results to last for 4 to 5 months at a time.

How Can You Prolong Results?

Some patients want to know if it’s possible to prolong the results of this treatment. Although some factors, such as your age, gender, and genetics, are beyond your control, there are some lifestyle choices you can make that can help your hormone treatment be as effective as possible. For example, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, drinking an adequate amount of water, and refraining from excess alcohol are all choices you can make to prolong results.

6. How Frequently Do You Need Treatment?

While the frequency at which you will need treatments will depend on your exact needs and how quickly your body absorbs the hormones, the average patient opts to have treatment about 3 or 4 times a year to maintain results. Having treatment once every 4 months is the best way to keep the results – and your hormone balance – consistent.

7. Will You Need to Talk to Your Medical Doctor?

Before you begin hormone treatment, we encourage you to talk to your regular medical physician. It could be the case that medication or supplements you are currently taking are interfering with normal hormone fluctuations; it may also be the case that hormone treatment will make it necessary to change the dosage of medications you are on. Speaking with your medical doctor ensures your overall health is cohesive.

8. What Are the Benefits of This Treatment?

There are many benefits to this treatment that are attractive to patients considering therapy. One huge benefit is the restoration of your daily routine without the complication of unbalanced hormones. Other patients are drawn to this treatment to:

  • Improve hair, skin, and nail health
  • Clear up confusion and memory difficulties
  • Restore libido and sexuality
  • Maintain healthy weight
  • Manage moods

Find Your Balance Again With Hormone Therapy

You don’t have to live with the disruptive symptoms of hormonal imbalance. It’s time to find your balance again with hormone therapy. If you think you are a good candidate for this treatment, please call Infinity MedSpa in Sudbury, MA to schedule your consultation appointment today.