Seven Hormone Myths…and Why They’re Wrong
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about HRT…and it may be holding you back from experiencing its benefits.
Here are seven of the biggest myths about hormone therapy:
1. Hormone replacement isn’t necessary
Hormones are necessary. And your body produces them naturally.
But as you get older, production of vital hormones like estrogen and progesterone (in women) and testosterone (in men) declines. This decline can result in symptoms such as:
- Poor sleep quality
- Moodiness and irritability
- Brain fog
- Lack of energy
- Loss of muscle and bone mass
- Reduced libido and sexual enjoyment
- Weight gain
Hormone imbalance can also increase risk factors for the various ailments we associate with getting older, like cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, dementia, diabetes, and others.
Fortunately, medically supervised hormone replacement can restore hormones to healthy levels, thereby relieving symptoms and preserving your overall health. The result is a better quality of life.
2. Hormone replacement is “cheating”
Mention hormones in conversation and many people will think about professional athletes suspended or banned for abuse of testosterone or other hormones.
Doctor supervised hormone replacement therapy is nothing like that. HRT doesn’t “add” an abundance of hormones to your body. It simply restores your hormones to physiologically healthy and appropriate levels.
3. Hormone replacement isn’t “natural”
Early hormone therapies used “synthetic” hormones…which are still used today by many doctors. These synthetic hormones are chemically similar to the hormones naturally produced by your body, but they aren’t identical.
Unfortunately, these slight molecular differences have negative consequences for how synthetic hormones work in the human body.
Bioidentical hormones, on the other hand, are fundamentally different. They’re derived from plant sources like soy and yams, and they are an exact carbon copy of what your body would produce naturally on its own. As a result, bioidentical hormones work in your body exactly the same your own naturally produced hormones would.
4. Over-the-counter supplements work just as well
You’ve probably heard of herbal remedies and over-the-counter supplements that claim the same results as hormone replacement therapy.
Unfortunately, these products don’t deliver on their promises, and do not provide the benefits that are desired. In some cases, the ingredients in these supplements can be harmful. The only way to properly balance hormones is with prescription hormone replacement therapy.
5. Medical supervision isn’t necessary
Your body works best when your hormones are in balance. This means hormones are present in your body in just the right amounts. Too little or too much can lead to unwanted and sometimes unhealthy side effects. And one size does not fit all.
Regular oversight from a doctor who is experienced in prescribing hormone replacement therapy is essential to ensure you safely achieve the maximum benefits from HRT.
6. HRT isn’t safe
Countless quality studies have shown that properly designed and monitored hormone replacement therapy, using only bioidentical hormones, is not only safe but also has significant long-term health benefits.
Occasionally, medical studies will claim adverse health effects from hormone replacement therapy. Closer scrutiny often reveals that these health risks are associated with the use of synthetic (not bioidentical) hormones. In other cases, the studies themselves are flawed or results are not reported in the proper context.
7. All hormone treatments are the same
Not all hormone replacement therapy is created equal.
For the best results, look for HRT that…
- Uses bioidentical hormones only.
- Includes regular monitoring via lab testing.
- Is supervised by a doctor with expertise in hormone therapy.
- Is individualized for each patient’s unique needs.
Want to Learn More?
You probably have questions. We have answers. Renew Youth has been a pioneer in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy since 1999.
Call us at 800-859-7511 or use our easy contact form to arrange for your free consultation.
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