Understanding How Hormone Therapy Works
Many women going through menopause look to hormone therapy for support. Over time, technology has allowed hormone therapy to evolve into something that can be used for other medical purposes. Nonetheless, some people are still curious about the risks associated with hormone therapy and the safety of the treatment.
Understanding Hormone Therapy
Want to understand hormone therapy better? Read below for a basic introduction to hormone therapy, how it works, and some important safety guidelines. This information can be helpful to review when looking into alternative ways to approach health concerns related to sexual wellness.
What Is Hormone Therapy, and How Does It Work?
Hormone therapy is a common treatment for both males and females. However, it is more commonly used for women. Low levels of hormones such as estrogen or testosterone can cause unwanted symptoms. For example, patients with low levels of these hormones may experience sexual or physical malfunctions. Common symptoms include hot flashes or sometimes low sex drive. Hormone therapy may help combat these uncomfortable symptoms.
Hormone therapy works by simply increasing the needed hormones in a man's or woman's body. If there are no hormones left in the body, the therapy will introduce new hormones into the body.
Typically, hormone therapy is administered through oral medications. If oral medications are not available, other forms of medicine include sprays, gels, patches, or creams. The patient's specific needs will determine which treatment is most appropriate.
Health Conditions That Hormone Therapy Can Be Used For
Hormone therapy is typically used for women going through menopause. In some cases, general doctors may also prescribe hormone therapy to address bone loss or bone fracture concerns.
Women who have estrogen deficiency and men who suffer from low testosterone levels may also benefit from hormone therapy. In addition, hormone therapy is used for people who wish to change genders.
Is It Safe?
Hormone therapy is not necessarily unsafe, but not all practitioners recommend it, as there are a few potential risks. The benefits of hormone therapy are most often seen when monitored by a licensed healthcare professional. Hormone therapy, in particular, is the safest when performed by a licensed and experienced general practitioner who specializes in sexual wellness.
Outlined below are a few of the risks associated with hormone therapy. It is important to be aware of these risks when considering treatment of any kind.
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Heart disease
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Stroke
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Blood clots
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Gallbladder and gallstone problems
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Breast cancer
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce your chances of developing the problems listed above. To limit risks and side effects, doctors recommend using the medications in moderation and coming in for frequent office visits. It may take periods of trial and error to determine the best practice and dose for your hormone therapy treatment.
Find Out More About Hormone Therapy
When looking to learn more about hormone therapy and what it is used for, it is best to reach out directly to a general practitioner. Your healthcare professional will assess and review your medical history to determine the best method of hormone therapy for your specific needs. Additionally, questions and concerns can be addressed at this time, which can help identify goals.
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