Hormones are chemicals in your body that perform various functions. For instance, women produce estrogen and progesterone, which play a role in menstruation and pregnancy. Men produce testosterone, which plays a role in sperm production and libido. Certain conditions and the aging process can cause an imbalance, but a hormone replacement specialist can help correct this. Your doctor will educate you about the types of hormone therapies available and will help you find the solution best suited for your needs.
Hormones
Estrogen replacement can be useful in treating the symptoms associated with menopause, such as vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and mood swings. Sometimes, a woman will receive progesterone as well to restore balance and prevent the symptoms of menopause. In some cases, women are also given testosterone to enhance the effects of hormone therapy. It’s not as common, but women can use hormone replacement therapy for infertility, as well. It could also be an effective treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Men may receive testosterone therapy to restore sexual function, better weight control, to correct infertility, and to address other symptoms associated with low testosterone.
Bioidentical Hormones Vs. Synthetic Hormones
Hormone therapies are available in two forms: bioidentical and synthetic. Pharmaceutical companies make bioidentical hormones from plants like soy and yams. They’re natural and are meant to mimic your natural hormone functions.
Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, consist of hormones derived from animals. For instance, both estradiol and progestin are taken from pregnant mares. They’re not identical to your hormones but are similar enough to work well in your body.
Forms of Hormone Therapy
You have various options for hormone replacement therapy in terms of the route of administration.
Nasal Spray
You can receive hormones via a nasal spray. One option is a gel that you place in your nose, which is a newer treatment for testosterone replacement. The gel enters your bloodstream through the blood vessels in your nose. Women may choose to get either or both estrogen and progesterone via nasal sprays. These options come in a liquid form that’s inhaled through the nose. From there, it enters your bloodstream.
Pellets
Another option for hormone replacement therapy is hormone replacement pellets. Pellet therapy consists of a hormone replacement specialist applying the pellets underneath your skin during an in-office procedure. Your body will slowly absorb the hormones in the pellets. They’ll travel throughout your body to replenish the inadequate levels.
Gel or Cream
If your doctor prescribes a hormone replacement gel or cream, you’ll rub a thin coating of it on your skin. Your skin will absorb the hormone and then transport it throughout your body.
Oral
You may take hormone replacement therapy orally. With oral hormone replacement, the hormone breaks down in your digestive tract. It then filters through your liver, so it’s more easily absorbed by the body. Finally, it enters your bloodstream to correct the imbalance.
Patch
You can also receive hormones in patch form. This is a transdermal form, meaning you receive the hormones through your skin, and then they travel through your bloodstream.
Why Choose Our Eaton, GA Doctors for Your Hormone Therapy
At Oconee Health Care Center, our practitioners understand the challenges you face with a hormonal imbalance and take all the necessary steps to find a solution ideal for you. Specifically, our practitioners will work to determine the ideal dosage and combination that can combat your symptoms.
Book an appointment with Oconee Health Care Center, serving Eatonton and the surrounding Georgia area, today to discover more about what hormone replacement therapy can do for you. Call us at 706-484-9824 or use our online contact form.
