Hormone Therapy

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women

Though most often used to treat common menopausal symptoms, hormone replacement therapy for women can also help to prevent bone loss and reduce fractures in postmenopausal women. It works by replacing the estrogen that is no longer being made by the body. Hormone replacement therapy for women can either come in the systemic form or through low-dose vaginal products.

Systemic estrogen may come in cream, gel, pill, ring, skin patch, or spray form, generally containing a higher dose of estrogen. It is absorbed throughout the body. Low-dose vaginal products, as the name suggests, minimize the amount of estrogen the body absorbs. These are typically used to treat only the urinary and vaginal symptoms of menopause.

Hormone Replacement Therapy for Men

Testosterone is a hormone essential for building muscle, male sexual development, maintaining bone density, and maintaining healthy levels of red blood cells. Similar to hormone replacement therapy for women, hormone replacement therapy for men works by supplementing the body with the testosterone that is no longer being produced by the body, particularly in those with hypogonadism.

There are several hormone replacement therapy options for men available, including intramuscular testosterone injections, testosterone patches, and topical testosterone gel. Intramuscular testosterone injections must be injected into the buttocks every two to three weeks, while testosterone patches must be applied to the back, arms, buttocks, or abdomen each day. In comparison, topical testosterone gel must be applied to the abdomen, arms, or shoulders every day.

Human Growth Hormone (hGH)

Human growth hormone, abbreviated to hGH, is a naturally occurring hormone essential for growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration. The pituitary gland produces it, helping build, maintain, and repair healthy tissue in the brain and other organs. It may expedite healing after an injury and repair muscle tissue after exercise, which helps boost metabolism, build muscle mass, and burn fat.

Some also believe hGH improves the overall quality and appearance of the skin. Furthermore, though further research is necessary, it is also purported to slow down the aging process and treat age-related diseases. HGH is typically injected intramuscularly (IM) or subcutaneously (under the skin) when prescribed.

Pellets Therapy

Bioidentical hormones are artificial hormones similar to the ones produced by the human body. They are used to treat both men and women with hormonal imbalances. These are often administered via pellets — hence the name pellet therapy. Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are commonly matched with pellets therapy. Many people believe that the customized nature of bioidentical hormone treatment makes it a safer, more effective alternative to traditional hormone therapy. It is most used to treat menopause, with about 1.4 million women nationwide using this treatment. However, men with low testosterone levels can also benefit from pellets therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions