Can Bioidentical Hormones be Taken at Any Age?
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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a popular treatment option for men and women struggling with hormone imbalance or deficiency, especially hormonal changes associated with menopause (in women) and andropause (in men). One of the first questions many patients ask when considering HRT is whether they are at the right age to start treatment. While there is no set minimum or maximum age limit for using hormone replacement therapy, there are some individual patient factors that will need to be taken into consideration before beginning a course of HRT. At Body Bar MD, Dr. Christy Kirkendol Watson offers BioTE® bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for patients in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN. Prior to administering BHRT, Dr. Christy will conduct a thorough consultation and evaluation to determine whether the patient’s age, underlying health conditions, or other factors may interfere with the safety or efficacy of treatment.
Who needs hormone replacement therapy?
BHRT is widely used to help rebalance hormone levels and provide relief from the uncomfortable and frustrating symptoms of hormone deficiency, menopause, or andropause. Some of the signs and symptoms that may mean you could benefit from BioTE BHRT include:
In women:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Depression or anxiety
- Insomnia
- Weight gain
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
- Thinning hair
- Facial hair growth
- Brain fog
- Difficulty concentrating
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
In men:
- Mood changes
- Irritability
- Depression
- Weight gain or loss
- Loss of muscle mass
- Hair loss
- Weakness or fatigue
- Brain fog
- Sexual dysfunction/erectile dysfunction
- Low libido
Am I too young for HRT?
Most patients are eligible to begin HRT once they develop early symptoms of menopause or andropause. In women, the earliest symptoms of menopause can actually begin in their 30s or 40s, at which time it may be appropriate to consider hormone therapy. Regardless of age, all patients will need to undergo a consultation, evaluation, and review of health and medical history, which will include reviewing recent bloodwork and/or drawing new labs to establish baseline hormone levels. Based on this information, Dr. Christy will make the final determination about whether BHRT may be an appropriate course of action.
Can I start hormones at 60?
For women specifically, BHRT is usually taken for about 2 – 5 years after reaching menopause, which typically occurs around age 50. Still, some patients may continue hormone treatments beyond that time if needed to control symptoms. However, there are certain contraindications for continuing HRT (or BHRT) long-term and/or beyond age 60 – 65, which can vary from patient to patient based on health and family history and other factors. During your initial consultation for BHRT in Terre Haute, IN, Dr. Christy will discuss the risks of long-term and advanced-age HRT in greater detail and closely assess your personal, family, and health history details to better understand if, when, and for how long you may safely and effectively be able to utilize BHRT medications.
Control your andropause or menopause symptoms with BioTE BHRT in Carmel, IN
Has age left you looking or feeling like someone you scarcely recognize? Take charge of your aging and regain a more youthful sense of yourself with BioTE BHRT. To learn more about the benefits of hormone replacement therapy and whether you may be eligible for BHRT, call either of our convenient Body Bar MD locations in Terre Haute and Carmel, IN to schedule your private consultation with Dr. Christy Kirkendol Watson today.