A Lifelong Journey

Though hormonal replacement therapy falls within the purview of neurologists or naturopaths, hormonal imbalances often manifest as low energy during workouts, food cravings, mood swings, and a decline in motivation outside the gym. Consequently, I deemed it advantageous to address the subject of hormone imbalances in my blog for educational purposes.

As we age, our bodies undergo numerous changes, many of which are influenced by our hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers that regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction. However, as we get older, the production of certain hormones decreases, leading to various symptoms and health issues. This is where hormonal supplementation and replacement therapy come into play.

Understanding Hormonal Changes

In women, the transition to menopause is marked by a decrease in the production of sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone¹². This phase, known as perimenopause, can last from a few months up to 10 years before menopause¹. Common symptoms include irregular menses, hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, mood swings, breast tenderness, alteration of blood cholesterol levels, and low bone density¹.

Menopause itself is diagnosed after a woman has gone 12 months without a menstrual period². Symptoms can include hot flashes, chills, night sweats, sleep problems, mood changes, weight gain and slowed metabolism, thinning hair and dry skin².

In men, a similar transition occurs known as andropause or “male menopause”. This is characterized by a gradual decline in testosterone levels³. Symptoms can include low sex drive, difficulties getting erections or erections that are not as strong as usual, lack of energy, depression, irritability and mood swings, loss of strength or muscle mass⁴.

The Role of Hormonal Supplementation

Hormonal supplementation aims to restore hormone balance in the body using bioidentical hormones. These are hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. They can be derived from plant sources such as yam or soy and are often used in the form of herbs.

For testosterone supplementation in men, Tribulus Terrestris is often used. For progesterone supplementation in women, Wild Yam is commonly used. For estrogen supplementation in women herbs like Black Cohosh, Chaste Berry, Damiana, Licorice, Evening Primrose, Red Clover and Dong Quai are often used⁵⁶⁷.

These herbs can help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances and improve overall well-being. However, it’s important to note that while these herbs can provide relief from symptoms and support hormone health they should not replace a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a medical treatment that boosts declining levels of sex hormones in a person approaching menopause or andropause⁸⁹. It helps ease some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. HRT can be used orally or topically⁸⁹.

Some possible medicines for HRT include DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), medroxyprogesterone or 17 beta oestradiol¹⁰⁹. These medicines work by replacing the hormones that your body no longer produces after menopause or during andropause¹⁰⁹.

The most popular testosterone replacement medicine in Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is Depo-Testosterone (Testosterone Cypionate)¹². It is an inexpensive drug used to support normal male development such as muscle growth, facial hair, and deep voice¹. This drug is more popular than comparable drugs and is available in generic and brand versions¹.

As for the recommendations, they can differ between men and women. For men, testosterone therapy is usually recommended for those with low testosterone levels who want to improve sexual function³. The American College of Physicians advises that the decision to initiate testosterone therapy should occur following a discussion of the potential benefits, harms, costs, and patient’s preferences³. They also recommend reevaluating symptoms within 12 months and discontinuing treatment if there is no improvement in sexual function³.

For women, testosterone replacement products come in a variety of options such as topical gels or creams, transdermal patches, injections, and oral formulations like pellets⁴. However, it’s important to note that the use of testosterone in women is still a topic of ongoing research and should be considered under medical supervision.

Remember, it’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

 Possible symptoms of low sex hormones levels

Testosterone in Men¹²³⁴:

• Reduced sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Loss of armpit and pubic hair
• Shrinking testicles
• Hot flashes
• Low or zero sperm count (azoospermia), which causes male infertility

Additionally, here are some health-related symptoms of low testosterone in men:

• Fatigue: Men with low testosterone often report feeling unusually tired¹²³.
• Reduced muscle mass: Testosterone plays a key role in the development and maintenance of muscle mass. A decrease in this hormone can lead to a reduction in muscle mass¹⁴.
• Increased body fat: Low testosterone can also lead to an increase in body fat¹².
• Mood changes: Testosterone influences mood, so low levels can lead to feelings of depression, irritability, or lack of focus¹²³.
• Bone loss: Testosterone helps to produce and strengthen bone. So men with low testosterone, especially older men who have had untreated low testosterone for years, can be at risk for bone fractures¹².
• Hot flashes: While more commonly associated with menopause in women, men with low testosterone can also experience hot flashes².

Now, let’s see how possible symptoms of low sex hormones levels look for women:

Progesterone in Women⁵⁶⁷⁸:

• Irregular periods and short cycles
• Premenstrual spotting
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety and depression

Estrogen in Women⁹¹⁰¹¹:

• Painful sex due to a lack of vaginal lubrication
• An increase in urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to a thinning of the urethra
• Irregular or absent periods
• Shifts in mood
• Hot flashes

Testosterone in Women¹²³:

• Low sex drive (hypogonadism)
• Lack of energy and feeling tired
• Loss of strength and muscle tone
• Infertility or trouble conceiving
• Irregular menstrual cycle
• Vaginal dryness
• Depression or anxiety
• Thinning hair
• Dry, brittle skin
• Trouble sleeping

Please note that these are general symptoms and can vary from person to person. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

The Benefits of Hormonal Supplementation and HRT

Hormonal supplementation and HRT can provide numerous benefits for individuals experiencing perimenopause, menopause or andropause. These benefits include:

• Relief from symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats¹¹¹⁰⁸.
• Improved sexual function and libido¹¹¹⁰.
• Protection against bone loss and reduction of fractures in postmenopausal women¹⁰.
• Improved mood and cognitive function¹¹.
• Improved muscle mass and bone density¹¹.

When to start HRT?

For men, there’s no specific age to start Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). It’s more about when symptoms of low testosterone levels begin to affect quality of life¹². Some men may consider HRT anywhere from their mid-20s to their late 40s or so². However, it’s generally recommended to start treatment when the decline in testosterone levels begins to have effects, which could be as early as in their 30s³.

For women, HRT can usually begin as soon as menopausal symptoms start⁴. The current prevailing philosophy regarding starting hormone therapy is to start it within 10 years of one’s final period, and before the age of 60⁵⁶⁷. This is because women who begin hormone therapy at age 60 or older or more than 10 years from the onset of menopause are at greater risk of certain conditions⁵.

Remember, these are general guidelines and the decision to start HRT should be made on an individual basis in consultation with a healthcare provider. It’s important to consider personal health history, the severity of symptoms, and the potential risks and benefits.

The Modern Life Conundrum

While modern life has extended our lifespan thanks to medical advancements and improved living conditions our hormonal health hasn’t quite caught up. Our bodies are still designed as if we lived 35 years for women and perhaps up to 50 years old for men. As we age beyond these years our vitality indicators such as sex hormone levels decline.

This is why it’s important to consider options like hormonal supplementation or HRT to optimize our hormonal health as we age. By doing so we can ensure that our health energy is able to keep up with our extending lifespan allowing us to remain productive and pain-free.

However it’s important to remember that these treatments should be considered only after optimizing lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management etc. It’s also crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Conclusion

Hormonal changes are a natural part of aging but they don’t have to dictate your quality of life. With knowledge about hormonal supplementation and replacement therapy you can make informed decisions about your health as you age.

Remember this post is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen. Having a general knowledge is one thing but being able to select a specific medical substance, choose a dose and consider individual factors, is something else, and should be consulted with a qualified medical practitioner.

Medical Disclaimer

This blog post is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

Coach Lucy