Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is popular for treating symptoms of menopause and lowering the risk for disease. Also known as estrogen replacement therapy, HRT reduces hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, burning or itching from vaginal atrophy, and bone loss from osteoporosis. In men, HRT is used to treat decreased sex drive, loss of function and desire, depression, and erectile dysfunction (ED); HRT can also treat enlarged prostate. This article looks at some of the benefits you can enjoy by visiting a Murray Hill hormone replacement therapy specialist.
Prevents Bone Loss
When estrogen levels drop, menopausal women experience a rapid decline in bone mass. This puts them at increased risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Hormone replacement therapy restores bone density and helps prevent the development of osteoporosis which afflicts many postmenopausal women. According to a study published in 2005, the administration of estrogen through hormone replacement therapy can effectively maintain bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Increases Sex Drive and Function
Hormone replacement therapy restores sex drive and sexual function. In a study published in the “New England Journal of Medicine,” HRT was found to have a beneficial effect on sexual desire, arousal, frequency of sexual activity, and ability to achieve orgasm.
Decreases Risk for Arthritis
HRT significantly reduces the risk of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease caused by deterioration in articular cartilage. Estrogen therapy prevents excessive weight gain and protects joints from strain and wear, thereby reducing the risk of arthritis. Women who suffer from arthritis may also find relief with HRT.
Treats Symptoms of Menopause
Hormone replacement therapy is effective in treating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, menstrual irregularities, mood changes, and vaginal dryness. Several studies have confirmed that HRT reduces the severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats.
Treats Symptoms of Perimenopause and PMS
HRT has been found helpful in treating moderate to severe symptoms of perimenopause, such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, mood swings, and abnormal bleeding. It can also ease the debilitating aches and pains that affect many women during this transition period. Furthermore, hormone therapy can treat severe PMS symptoms such as depression, irritability, bloating, and breast tenderness.
Lowers the Risk for Cardiovascular Disease
In women, estrogen therapy lowers LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides while raising HDL cholesterol. In addition, it has been found that estrogen improves the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) and reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women.
Reduces Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Estrogen replacement therapy has been found to lower the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, especially in women younger than age 65 or who have entered menopause early.
Has Anti-Aging Properties
Estrogen and other hormone therapies can slow down the aging process. They also boost energy and improve mood, reducing susceptibility to stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and irritable bowel syndrome.
In summary, hormone replacement therapy is an effective treatment that can help you deal with some of the health consequences of menopause, perimenopause, and PMS. Best of all, it has also been found to have anti-aging properties. If you need to know more about hormone replacement therapy and testosterone replacement therapy, you may want to consult with a hormone replacement specialist.
