They say you’re only as old as you feel, and in fact, recent scientific studies have lent credence to this timeworn bromide. Those who feel younger and hold a more positive view on aging are statistically more likely to recover from serious illnesses and accidents than their more pessimistic counterparts. Of course, greeting the aging process with optimism isn’t easy if you find yourself increasingly worn down and disinterested. Fortunately, there’s no need to despair. If you find that you just don’t have the same vigor and vitality you did in your younger days, hormone replacement therapy may be the answer for you.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormones and Aging
As you age, your body’s production of key hormones begins to change and slow down. While this is a natural part of the aging process, it can lead to any number of unwanted health effects. You may notice an increase in body fat and greater difficulty shedding pounds, lower energy levels, a decreased sex drive, disturbed sleep, and many other issues. Hormonal changes are also believed to contribute to certain health conditions, such as heart disease and osteoporosis.
The Benefits of Hormone Replacement
Hormone therapy seeks to slow or reverse some of the effects of aging by managing the hormone levels in your body. By monitoring your body’s hormones and supplementing them as necessary, hormone therapy has the potential to mitigate the effects of menopause, boost libido and energy levels, provide better sleep quality, protect against cardiovascular disease and diabetes, slow the thinning of bones, and generally leave you feeling younger and more rejuvenated.
Is Hormone Therapy Right for You?
While hormone therapy is a potentially powerful ally in the battle against aging, it may not be right for everyone. As with any medical treatment, the decision ultimately comes down to balancing the potential risks against the benefits. Women who are experiencing moderate to severe menopause symptoms or who stopped having periods before age 40 are most likely to benefit from hormone replacement. Those who have osteoporosis and are unable to tolerate other treatments are also prime candidates, as are men who suffer from hypogonadism or otherwise have unusually low testosterone levels.
Women who have a personal or family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, blood clots, or stroke are generally advised to avoid hormone replacement therapy, as are men who have a high risk or history of prostate cancer, stroke, or sleep apnea. In some cases, hormone therapy will exacerbate these conditions.
How to Get Started
Aging and disease are unfortunate and unavoidable facts of life, but that doesn’t mean you need to accept them without a fight. While it’s not the best choice for everyone, hormone replacement therapy is an invaluable tool that may allow you to slow age-related decline, recapture your youthful vitality, and protect yourself against various health conditions. If you’re tired of feeling young at heart but old in other places, you owe it to yourself to explore the possibilities that hormone replacement affords.
If you’re interested in pursuing hormone replacement therapy, contact DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic today. We can check your current blood levels, examine a thorough blood panel, and help you embrace a healthful lifestyle. To get started, please schedule a free consultation online at our Springfield Med Spa or give us a call at 417-447-7777.
