As your body ages and you investigate various treatments, you may hear that hormone replacement therapy can combat the changes that dropping hormone levels instigate. But this kind of treatment, once routinely prescribed for menopausal women, has some serious downsides, as well. Only a licensed practitioner can tell you whether this treatment is right for you, but here’s some basic information to get you started:
What Is Anti Aging Hormone Therapy?
Anti aging hormone therapy is a bit of a misnomer, since no hormone replacement therapies can actually slow the aging process. But since it’s true that many uncomfortable symptoms of aging in women — including menopausal symptoms such as severe hot flashes and vaginal or urinary pain — are associated with lowered hormone levels, taking bio-identical or synthetic hormones can relieve them. A good doctor will probably recommend that hormone treatments be combined with other lifestyle modifications for the best results.
Who Should Use Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy should be used only for patients whose hormone levels are unbalanced. If you are experiencing symptoms directly associated with decreased estrogen or other hormones, then this may be a good course of action. But if your goal is simply to look and feel younger, then a combination of weight management and cosmetic treatments are a lower-risk route. Healthy weight loss plans should include both exercise and dietary changes (if you’re not getting the results you want, you should investigate weight loss diets for women specifically, since men and women tend to have different responses to some popular diets). Low-impact procedures include everything from nonsurgical facelifts and Juvederm treatments to body sculpting and laser skin treatments.
How Effective Is Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy can be extremely effective if it is truly the right solution for your individual body chemistry. However, it isn’t a cure-all; you should never trust a practitioner who promises you results before a hormone panel (lab tests that examine existing hormone levels). Make sure that whoever is overseeing your treatment monitors your hormone levels frequently so you can get relief from aging symptoms at the lowest possible doses. You’ll also want to visit a women’s doctor on a yearly basis, since higher estrogen levels can be associated with breast cancer and other health risks.
Have you overseen or undergone anti aging hormone therapy? Do you have anything to add? Join the discussion in the comments.
