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Writer's pictureTarik Francis

Do you need HRT !?

Updated: Nov 20

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) serves as a medical remedy prescribed by physicians to mitigate menopause-related symptoms in women, including hot flashes and mood swings. If you're considering HRT, consulting your GP is paramount to tailor the treatment to your unique needs, medical history, and potential risks and benefits.


🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫🦋🦋🦋🦋(This is NOT MEDICAL ADVICE)🦋🦋🦋🦋🦋🚫🚫🚫


By delving into your blood markers, a doctor can offer personalized guidance, honing in on your specific situation.


HRT extends a range of benefits to women grappling with menopause-associated symptoms.


**For Men**:


Men, too, can grapple with hormonal imbalances as they age, although it's less prevalent than in women. Dubbed "andropause" or "male menopause," this occurrence reveals that yes, men experience it too. 🤷🏾‍♂️


As men age, testosterone levels gradually ebb, culminating in symptoms such as waning energy, muscle mass decline, mood shifts, and diminished libido. In select cases, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), primarily testosterone replacement therapy, might be worth considering for men with clinically low testosterone levels and pronounced symptoms that impact their overall well-being. The decision to embark on HRT should be guided by a healthcare professional, who will take into account individual health factors and potential risks.


(NOT Medical advice )


**Age Considerations**:

For women, HRT predominantly takes center stage during perimenopause and menopause, typically transpiring between ages 45 and 55. The timeline for women to contemplate HRT hinges on the commencement and intensity of menopausal symptoms.


For men, the age bracket for pondering HRT due to low testosterone levels is broader, often initiating around ages 30 to 40 and persisting into advanced years. Opting for testosterone replacement therapy necessitates a thorough evaluation of symptoms, hormone levels, and overall health.


Stressing the point that HRT decisions must be rooted in an individual's medical history, present health status, and comprehensive conversations with healthcare professionals. The core objective is to ascertain that potential benefits overshadow possible risks, all while considering each person's unique context.


Some potential benefits of HRT encompass:


1. **Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms**: HRT adeptly alleviates pervasive symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.


2. **Enhanced Quality of Life**: By mitigating discomfort and distress triggered by menopausal symptoms, HRT contributes to an overall enriched quality of life.


3. **Safeguarded Bone Health**: HRT effectively safeguards bone density, curbing the susceptibility to fractures stemming from osteoporosis.


4. **Promoted Heart Health**: HRT has the potential to positively impact cardiovascular well-being by refining cholesterol levels and curtailing the risk of heart disease.


5. **Cognitive Function Enhancement**: Evidential cues suggest that HRT might enhance cognitive function and trim the risk of cognitive decline in postmenopausal women.


6. **Mitigation of Genitourinary Symptoms**: HRT extends relief from vaginal dryness, discomfort during intercourse, and urinary issues commonly surfacing during menopause.


7. **Possible Effects on Skin and Hair**: Noteworthy to note, some women report enhanced skin elasticity and decreased hair thinning as potential HRT perks.


It's vital to recognize that the benefits of HRT can fluctuate from person to person, with accompanying risks and deliberations. For tailored advice, engaging in an in-depth conversation with a healthcare professional is the prudent course of action to determine if HRT aligns with your unique circumstances.


Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is relevant to both genders, albeit with varying rationales and lifecycles.


In my perspective, exercise and sleep hold the potential to alleviate many of the mentioned issues. Yet, science's progression offers ways to combat the intricacies of aging. While I haven't personally initiated any hormone therapy, I'm open to it when my body and lifestyle warrant it. While it might feel like a shortcut, it diverges greatly from that notion (reprogramming my mindset around this remains a challenge).


Except for those in professional sports, considering HRT seems like a valid avenue.


For those seeking further insight on HRT or Testosterone replacement therapy, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to share the research I've meticulously examined. However, remember, this is information from a sports scientist and physio who has scrutinized scientific articles—I'm not a GP/Doctor.

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