Hormone replacement therapy can be a suitable treatment for hormone deficiencies. This therapy supplements the hormones that your body isn’t creating anymore, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. You could be experiencing the symptoms of a hormone imbalance and not know it. Maybe you suspect it, but you have heard conflicting ideas about HRT services. In this blog, we want to point you to the symptoms of hormone imbalances, what causes them, and how to safely treat them.
What are the Causes and Symptoms of a Hormone Imbalance?
Let’s learn more about the different types of conditions that lead to hormone imbalances and their symptoms.
Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause begins a couple of years before menopause. During this time, your periods may gradually become irregular and your progesterone levels can start to drop off. When you have not had a menstrual cycle in a year, you have entered menopause. This occurs because your body’s estrogen levels have tapered off to the point where your cycle ends. Many women experience:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness and irritation
- Irritation or pain during intercourse
- Mood changes
Andropause
Andropause can be considered the male counterpart to menopause. At around age 40, men’s testosterone levels begin to decline. A significant number of men in their 60s, 70s, and 80s have low testosterone levels. Many men experience:
- Exhaustion
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low energy levels
- Body aches and pains
As every individual’s body is different, you might find that you have different symptoms than someone else. Your symptoms might be milder or more intense.
Ultimately, you should find a practitioner who specializes in hormones or hormone-related conditions, such as menopause. Many primary care providers might refer you to these doctors, which can include specialists such as Functional Medicine Practitioners and OB/GYNs.
How a Compounding Pharmacy Can Help Provide HRT Services
After your provider has evaluated your family and medical history, you may receive a prescription for HRT. To safely treat your deficiency, your provider should prescribe you the lowest dose possible for the shortest amount of time needed to alleviate your symptoms. If you are someone who has not had their uterus removed, you will also likely need to take progesterone alongside estrogen to avoid certain health risks such as endometrial cancer.
A compounding pharmacist will be happy to formulate customized dosages that meet your unique needs. They can work with you and your provider to make adjustments as you continue with the therapy.
We can help you find the right product and delivery method for you. This can include pills, patches, gels, vaginal creams, or pills. Some individuals find that they cannot take pills easily or find that they often forget to take their medications. As a result, they may choose to use patches or other methods.
Speak to Us About Your Hormone Prescription Needs
Once you and your provider determine that HRT services are right for you, our pharmacists will be happy to help you fill your prescription.
Reach out online or call us at (305) 665-4411.
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