Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was once considered just for women who entered the menopausal phase of life and were dealing with depression, fatigue, insomnia, low sex drive, and other problems.  Now, HRT is being utilized by both sexes to address changes in the endocrine system that occur not only due to aging, but to other issues in adulthood, such as medication or drug use, sedentarism, poor diet, obesity, injuries, traumas, and other events that cause imbalances in the delicate release and interplay of our hormones.  HRT, such as estrogen and progesterone for women, and testosterone for men, allows people to optimize not only their hormone levels to mimic what the body should produce or once produced, but also to help address other hormone-related outcomes, such as sleep, physical activity, and sex.  HRT can be an effective way for people to feel better and live a better quality of life in conjunction with proper diet, supplements, and exercise.  Once HRT is commenced, monitoring of hormonal levels along with cardiac, liver, and kidney parameters should be part of the standard routine to be aware of any adverse effects or contraindications, even if they are unlikely.