Hormone Replacement Therapy Questions and Answers

Hormone replacement can help women with menopause who experience moderate or severe hot flashes, experienced premature menopause or ovarian insufficiency, or have diminished bone mass. For women who have had their ovaries removed or have experienced early onset menopause for other reasons, hormone replacement can help reduce the risk of heart disease, parkinsonism, anxiety or depression, and osteoporosis that can result from an earlier than normal reduction in hormones. Hormone replacement therapy can also help menopausal women with intimate issues such as vaginal dryness.

Men and women who have had certain types of cancer including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers, or those who have suffered stroke or liver disease, blood clots in the legs, or vaginal bleeding without explanation may not be good candidates for hormone replacement therapy. Hormone therapy is not always necessary for women who are menopausal or post-menopausal or for men through andropause, so it is important to consider the risks and rewards before deciding whether hormone therapy is right for you. At RejuvaMed, Dr. Andronico can offer you the information you need to make informed decisions regarding your intimate health and options for hormone treatment.

There are many different ways for men and women to reap the benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Estrogen in women is the most effective hormone for treating night sweats and hot flashes as well as to ease the most common vaginal symptoms. By combining progesterone with estrogen, patients can reduce some of the risks associated with hormone therapy. For men testosterone is the most effective hormone for helping with the symptoms of andropause. The method of hormone delivery will depend on a variety of factors including personal preference, lifestyle, and the required dosage. At RejuvaMed, Dr. Andronico has the expertise to decide which delivery method will be best suited to your needs.

Bioidentical hormones are hormones that have been created with an identical molecular structure to the hormones that are naturally produced by the human body prior to menopause. RejuvaMed proudly offers our patients access to bioidentical hormones to ensure they receive the highest quality products available for their needs. Dr. Kenneth Andronico is an Osteopathic Physician and specialist in Ophthalmology and Anti Aging along with an extensive background of decades of intensive training and board certification in Anti-Aging, Functional, and Integrative Medicine. He can provide you with the insight necessary to make sure you achieve the best results possible. We understand that every woman we treat has unique needs and we provide personalized attention and care to all of our patients.

We optimize your health by enhancing the following hormones as part of your treatment

DHEA
DHEA has a beneficial effect on immune response, sex drive, metabolism and emotional stability. DHEA benefits the immune system and reduces visceral fat associated with diabetes mellites. Other benefits include support of cognitive function, helping the body cope with stress and protection against heart disease through its effect on lipids and body fat.

MELATONIN
Melatonin regulates the circadian rhythm as well as the deep stages of sleep. The immune system depends on melatonin effects of deep sleep. It is a powerful antioxidant hormone that can protect against cancer. Hundreds of studies show that melatonin can scavenge free radicals and be a safe sleep-enhancing hormone.

PREGNENOLONE
Failure of memory and lack of mental clarity can be among the most frustrating aspects of aging. Studies indicate that pregnenolone might be beneficial against age-related cognitive decline.

THYROID
This metabolic hormone secreted by the thyroid gland regulates temperature, metabolism and cerebral function. Insufficient thyroid levels result in fatigue, increased cholesterol levels and increased risk of coronary artery disease. With age, thyroid hormone levels gradually decline regulating in a decreased metabolism, which affects all cells and organs. Low thyroid causes low energy, and thinning of hair, skin and nails.

TESTOSTERONE
Although testosterone is the primary male hormone, women, also benefit from its supplementation. Levels of testosterone decline with age in men and women. At optimal levels testosterone increases bone density and bone formation, enhances energy and sex drive, decreases body fat, increases muscle strength, lowers blood pressure and modulates cholesterol levels. Testosterone is a hormone that neither men nor women should be without.

ESTROGEN
Over 60 years of studies demonstrate that loss of estrogen increases cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, osteoporotic fractures, urogenital atrophy, macular degeneration and depression. Recent studies sort out the confusion created by the WHI (Women’s Health Initiative) and conclude that certain types of hormones cause harm in some women, whereas different hormones avoid the harm and provide significant protection.

PROGESTERONE
Data demonstrates that synthetic progestins increase the risk of breast cancer, heart disease, strokes, bleeding and depression. Studies demonstrate that micronized progesterone not only does not increase these risks but protects against them. Studies demonstrate a synergistic effect of progesterone with estrogen, whereas progestins negate estrogen’s positive benefits.

If you are experiencing negative symptoms associated with natural aging and menopause and are interested in discussing hormone therapy as a potential treatment option, contact RejuvaMed in Wesley Chapel, FL to schedule an appointment today.