Refuting Common Hormone Replacement Myths

As you age, your body's chemistry can start to change, and this can have profound impacts on your quality life. In particular, it can be common for individuals to encounter decreased hormone production, which can have major effects on the patient's comfort and mood. Fortunately, there are treatments available to compensate for these changes, but it can be difficult for you to effectively make decisions about pursuing this treatment option if you assume the following myths are true.

Myth: You Will Only Need To Take Hormones When You Are Actively Showing Symptoms

There are some patients that may not fully understand the purpose of hormone replacement therapy. While changes in your hormones can lead to numerous symptoms, such as hot flashes and mood swings, it is important to note that these treatments are typically not intended as a long-term solution to these discomforts and symptoms. Rather, hormone replacement therapy is designed to help patients by allowing the body's hormone levels to decrease in a more even manner, which can reduce many of the sudden and intense symptoms of this transition. While you may not enjoy the idea of having to regularly undergo hormone treatments, the ability to have greater control over your symptoms may make this more than worth any minor inconveniences.

Myth: Men Cannot Benefit From Hormone Replacement Therapy

While many women will undergo hormone therapy, it is important to note that this type of therapy can also be used to help men address a variety of their problems. For example, a man's body can start to lose the ability to produce enough testosterone, which can have a profound impact on the patient. Men that are experiencing this condition will often have low energy, depression and a lack of sex drive. Luckily, testosterone can be administered in hormone replacement therapy, and it can be a safe and effective way of ensuring that your body is receiving the testosterone that it needs. However, it should be noted that a person's production of testosterone can vary over the course of life, and only your doctor will be able to determine whether hormone replacement therapy is needed to treat your issues.

Hormone replacement therapy can be an excellent way for patients to combat the ill-effects of hormonal changes. By understanding that hormone replacement therapy is a designed to manage the symptoms of hormone imbalances as the body makes this transition and that men can benefit from this type therapy, you will have a better ability to weigh whether this therapy is the treatment that you are needing.

If you have questions, contact a company like Central Iowa OB/Gyn Specialists, PLC.