Seven Things You Should Know About Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy has grown in popularity…but is it right for you?

Here are the answers to seven questions you need to ask about hormone replacement therapy:

1. Why do I need hormone replacement therapy?
   Your body depends on hormones to work properly. Some of the most important include testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, growth hormone and thyroid.

   Hormone production can be affected by a number of factors including:

   • Normal aging
   • Synthetic and natural hormones in the environment
   • Chemical toxins
   • Traumatic brain injury
   • Medical procedures such as hysterectomies, vasectomies, and ablations
   • Stress

   If your hormone levels are out of balance, you can experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, memory loss, irritability and reduced sex drive.

   Hormone replacement therapy treats the root cause of these issues rather than simply masking the symptoms like other medications.

2. Am I too young to start hormone replacement?

There’s no magic age to begin hormone replacement therapy.

At Renew Youth, we’ve treated patients as young as 22 years old for hormone imbalance.

Traditionally, hormone replacement therapy was commonly prescribed for people in their 40s, 50s and 60s. However, younger ages can also benefit.

For example, men and women returning from active military duty may experience hormone imbalance due to traumatic head injuries and other traumas.

Athletes who abused anabolic steroids can suffer permanent loss of hormone production.

Stress can have a negative impact on hormone production and may result in levels dropping off at younger ages.

Both men and women can also choose to begin hormone replacement therapy before they experience severe symptoms.

Proper hormone balance has nothing to do with age. It has everything to do with feeling your best.

3. How long will I continue taking hormone treatments?

It’s simple…how long do you want to keep feeling better?

In other words, you will continue hormone replacement therapy as long as you want to experience the benefits.

Properly administered and monitored, hormone replacement therapy is a safe long-term way to keep you at your best.

4. Why do I need lab testing?

Periodic lab testing is critical to the success of your hormone replacement therapy.

Before you begin your therapy, blood testing is necessary to customize your treatment plan. Hormone replacement therapy isn’t a “one size fits all” proposition. When done properly, it’s specifically designed to fit your needs.

But that isn’t the end of lab testing.

Periodically during your treatment program, we use blood testing to make sure your hormone levels remain at optimum safe levels. Your body changes over time. Hormone dosages which were effective when you began treatment may need to be fine-tuned to keep you feeling your best.

We also monitor your symptoms (energy level, etc.) to make sure your hormone replacement therapy program continues to deliver the results you need.

5. What are “bioidentical” hormones and why are they important?

Bioidentical hormones are exactly like the hormones your body naturally produces. They are made from natural sources such as yams or soy.

Unfortunately for the pharmaceutical industry…bioidentical hormones can’t be patented. Instead, the drug companies manufacture synthetic hormones. Why is this a problem? Synthetic hormones aren’t the same as the hormones produced by your body.

Think of a hormone receptor as a lock, and a hormone molecule as a key. Your natural hormones (and bioidentical hormones) fit into those receptors perfectly to achieve the exact response needed. Synthetic hormones don’t fit those receptors perfectly…this can cause unwanted side effects such as increased cancer risks.

6. Why do my hormones need to come from a compounding pharmacy?

Your hormone replacement therapy program needs to be customized to your needs. To accomplish this, we use compounding pharmacies that can formulate the exact hormone dosages your body needs.

This also allows us to make very small adjustments in dosage. Meanwhile, small adjustments to dosage can often make a big difference in terms of results.

Off the shelf hormones, on the other hand, are a “one size fits all” approach that can lead to unwanted side effects.

7. Does method of delivery matter?

Yes. We don’t use pellets or patches at all. We just don’t see either of these as good solutions.

Beyond that…it depends on the hormone. It depends on whether you’re male or female. It depends on personal preference…and a number of other factors. Once again, expertise matters, and one size does not fit all.

Get the Right Advice About Hormone Replacement Therapy

At Renew Youth, we’ve been the leader in hormone replacement therapy and healthy aging since 1999.

We combine state-of-the-art science and individualized attention to help you get the results you need and expect from your hormone replacement therapy program.

Want to start feeling your best?

Call Renew Youth at 800-859-7511 or use our contact form to arrange your Free Consultation. It will only take about 30 minutes…but the results could change your life.