What is Hormone Replacement Therapy Used For?
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At Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine, board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Constantine Kotsanis has worked with countless patients of all ages who suffer health conditions and diseases that are related to hormone function. One of the most common treatments used to address hormone-related health issues is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This is a procedure that is available in different forms to meet each patient’s unique needs. If you suspect your health concerns are correlated to hormone function, reach out to the Kotsanis Institute in Grapevine, TX.
What is hormone replacement therapy?
Simply put, hormone replacement therapy is a medical treatment that uses hormones to address a wide variety of health concerns. Hormone therapy is an umbrella term that describes the different classes of hormone treatments: oncologic hormone therapy, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), androgen replacement therapy (ART), bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), transgender hormone therapy, and birth control. Depending on your condition, different hormone therapies may be used to improve your health and manage disease-related symptoms.
Reasons for hormone replacement therapy
Broadly speaking, hormone replacement therapy can be used to treat the following conditions:
- Certain cancers
- Hormone imbalances
- Symptoms related to hormone deficiencies
Within these categories, there is a list of health conditions and symptoms that can be eased or controlled with hormone therapy.
How does hormone replacement therapy work?
The general goal of hormone therapy is to either suppress or encourage select hormones and their effects. Hormone-related issues can occur in patients of all ages. Depending on your gender, age, symptoms, and underlying health conditions, different hormone treatments may be utilized.
How is hormone replacement therapy administered?
Hormone therapy is available in a variety of different forms, including:
- Oral medications
- Injections
- Gels or creams
- Skin patches
- Intrauterine devices
All of these are administered differently, and the regimen will vary depending on your condition.
How do I know if hormone therapy is right for me?
The best way to determine if hormone replacement therapy is right for you is to meet with a certified medical professional, like Dr. Kotsanis. During a one-on-one consultation at the Kotsanis Institute in Grapevine, TX, Dr. Kotsanis can discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and order a series of diagnostic tests to see if this is the ideal treatment for you.
Side effects of hormone replacement therapy
There are a number of risks associated with hormone therapy. These will differ depending on the form, dose, and length of treatment. Gender will also play a significant role in the side effects patients experience. On average, the most common symptoms of hormone replacement therapy include:
- Mood changes
- Weight gain or loss
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Digestive problems
Hormone replacement therapy is not a “one size fits all” treatment. Each regimen is strategically customized to meet the needs of the patient. In addition, the benefits tend to outweigh the risks and many patients experience the improvement they need for optimal health.
Discover more about hormone replacement therapy
Are you suffering from a series of health issues? Your concerns may be directly related to hormone function. We invite you to get in touch with the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX to learn more about hormone replacement therapy. Board-certified otolaryngologist Dr. Constantine Kotsanis will be happy to meet with you to discuss your unique concerns to see if hormone replacement therapy is right for you.