Hormones play a significant role in how you feel, look, and act. As one gets older, they go through hormonal shifts that cause a wide range of changes, including weight gain, decreased sexual desire, moodiness, and low sex drive. While these changes are normal, you don’t have to live with them. At Body Bar MD in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN, Dr. Christy Kirkendol Watson uses bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to balance the hormone levels of patients who are getting older but want to feel younger. While this treatment is often used for patients over 30, people may wonder at what age you should stop using bioidentical hormones. Here’s an overview of what hormone replacement therapy is and when you may no longer need it.
What is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy?
Your hormones do a lot for you every day, even when you don’t notice it. By sending messages to your bloodstream and tissues, they regulate processes like sexual function, reproduction, mood, and metabolism.
As you get older, your hormone levels change. In many cases, you’ll produce hormones at a slower rate, lowering your overall levels. This can have a significant impact on how you look and feel.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps even out this process. At Body Bar MD in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN, Dr. Christy uses bioidentical hormones called BioTE®, which uses pellet therapy to help balance out your hormones. By placing a pellet under your skin, it releases the hormones you need. As a result, hormonal imbalances are addressed – and so are the unwanted symptoms that come with these imbalances.
How does hormone therapy help women and men?
Hormone therapy can help both women and men find relief from a wide range of symptoms of hormonal imbalances.
For women, hormone therapy can reduce:
- Hot flashes
- Memory loss
- Low energy levels
- Weight gain
- Moodiness
- Low sex drive
For men, hormone therapy can reduce:
- Moodiness
- Weight gain
- Low energy levels
- Low sex drive
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can also help women and men with chronic disorders like fibromyalgia and thyroid issues. For instance, BHRT can ease fibromyalgia symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and muscle pain. As for thyroid disorders, BHRT can help regulate weight gain, high cholesterol, and even heart issues.
At what age should I start and stop using bioidentical hormones?
Individuals can start using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy as early as about 30 years old. This is around when the body starts producing lower levels of hormones. In fact, many patients find addressing hormonal imbalances early can help keep symptoms at bay.
Hormone therapy is generally safe to use for as long as you need it. However, it’s important to monitor your hormones, including if hormone therapy continues to be beneficial. Dr. Christy can help create a plan for you, including if and when you should stop using bioidentical hormones.
Ease symptoms of aging with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy
You can’t stop the aging process, but you can help stop the negative side effects that come with it. With bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, patients in Carmel and Terre Haute, IN can find relief from some of the worst symptoms of getting older. From weight gain to moodiness to a low sex drive, hormone therapy can relieve these symptoms and help you feel young again. Learn how bioidentical hormone replacement therapy with Dr. Christy Kirkendol Watson can help you balance out hormones for a more enjoyable life by contacting Body Bar MD today.