3 Uses for Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormones are chemical messengers within your body. These specialized molecules play a crucial role in many of your body’s functions. They travel between cells, tissues, and organs, influencing everything from digestion and metabolism to growth, reproduction, and sexual desire. They can even affect your mood.

When hormone levels become unbalanced, a wide variety of symptoms can result. 

For example, when a woman's hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause or menopause, she may experience hot flashes, cold sweats, weight gain, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, pain during sex, and other issues.

Our care providers here at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, are acutely aware of the impact that hormones have on health. We work with our patients to identify and correct hormone imbalances so you can feel good, alleviate symptoms, and enjoy an optimal quality of life. 

Read on to learn about conditions that may benefit from hormone replacement therapy:

Menopause and perimenopause

Perimenopause and menopause are a time in a woman's life when hormonal changes lead to changes in her menstrual period, a reduction in and eventual end to fertility, and a host of other physiological changes. 

Menopause is when periods stop completely; perimenopause is the time leading up to menopause, when these changes are starting.

Excess weight

Although hormone imbalances are usually not the only contributor to excess weight, they may play a role in weight issues. 

Low testosterone in men or low estrogen in women may lead to weight gain or may make it harder for you to lose weight. Restoring hormone levels may make it easier for you to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. 

Sexual dysfunction

Out-of-balance hormones may contribute to a loss of libido or changes in your ability to perform or enjoy sex. 

With the restoration and rebalancing of hormone levels, you may find that you can enjoy sex more. For women, hormone replacement may help with sexual enjoyment by reducing vaginal dryness and increasing desire.  

Types of hormone replacement

The goal of hormone replacement therapy is to address hormone-related imbalances by restoring your natural levels of estrogen, progesterone, and/or testosterone.

Here at Peachtree Surgical & Bariatrics, we offer our patients bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. We believe that these all-natural, plant-based compounds offer a safer, more effective option over synthetic hormones or hormones derived from animal sources. 

Because bioidentical hormones are identical to those your body makes, they are a natural approach to hormone replacement. 

Hormone replacement therapy is available for use in a variety of ways, including:

• Creams
• Gels
• Injections 
• Patches
• Pills

We can evaluate your health to determine whether hormone therapy is right for you. Contact us to request an appointment for an evaluation with one of our caring providers.