alternative hormone replacement therapy

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Replacement Hormone Therapy

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

Options for hormone replacement therapy include synthetic and bio-identical hormones, which can be administered in a variety of ways for both women and men.

Bio-identical or natural hormone replacement therapy is often simply referred to as BHRT. Hormone replacement is a widely used treatment modality and has the ability to effectively treat symptoms of menopause in women and a similar age related condition called andropause that occurs in men.

Bio-Identical hormones are biologically identical the hormones that our bodies naturally produce, thus are a great treatment option for those who have hormonal deficiencies or experience fluctuations in their hormone levels with age. BHRT can be tailored to meet most patient’s individual needs and can be administered via custom formulated creams, patches, pills, or through the placement of subcutaneous pellets.

Options for HRT
Gels or creams can be applied to various parts of the body, including the stomach, inner arms, and thighs. These types of hormones are painless and easy to use.

While gels, creams, and patches are an easy and painless option for those seeking HRT, they must be applied using a strict schedule, to avoid uncontrolled fluctuations in hormone levels. Pills also need to be taken on a precise schedule, often along with food.

Hormone pellets, placed just under the surface of the skin, offer patients a safe and effective way to maintain consistent hormone levels. This form of HRT uses the bodies cardiovascular system to help regulate the release of hormones in a stead stream, into the bloodstream. Some patients opt for treatment with pellet therapy because a single dose can last for up to 4 to 6 months. Patients using this form of HRT must be prepared to schedule a visit to their doctor for regular testing and for insertion of pellets as needed.

Men and women of all ages can benefit from treatment with naturally derived hormones. Those considering HRT should take the time necessary to learn about all their options, as well as meet with a specialist to better determine if HRT is appropriate for them.

HRT For Men
Andropause, often referred to as male menopause can very often be successfully treated with many different forms of hormone replacement therapy. Bio-identical hormones that are derived naturally are an ideal treatment for men who are experiencing the effects of andropause from age related declines in hormone levels, as natural hormones used in BHRT precisely match the hormones created by the body. The fact that bio-identical hormone preparations can be custom-tailored or “compounded” by special pharmacies, allow for treatment protocols to be specifically designed by doctors, to meet the needs of each individual patient, thus reducing the likelihood that those on a closely monitored treatment plan, will experience negative side effects while on HRT.

More traditional HRT using what are known as “synthetic” hormones are derived from animals or created in labs are indeed similar, but not biologically identical to the body’s natural hormones.

Right For You?
The best candidates for hormone replacement therapy or testosterone replacement therapy are those men who experience symptoms related to andropause, who are otherwise healthy, and have undergone a thorough physical exam prior to treatment.

Patients should expect that before being prescribed a course of HRT, doctors will require that diagnostic testing, including lab work be performed to determine what current hormone levels are. Even if a large hormonal deficiency exists, men with a previous history of certain types of cancer including prostate cancer are generally not deemed to be appropriate candidates for testosterone replacement therapy. Those Individuals with liver, heart, or kidney disease, edema, which causes the swelling of the face, hands, feet, or legs, diabetes, or men with an enlarged prostate need to be screened and evaluated carefully by a trained HRT specialist to determine if they are suitable candidates for hormone replacement therapy.

Hormone Replacement Therapy
Information on options for HRT