Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) keeps you young, strong and vital, plus it is a lot safer than you think!
For many years hormone therapy has gotten a bad rap. However, proper doctor prescribed hormone therapy actually has few side-effects. In the last few years many of the myths about the risks of hormone therapy, such as it can increase your risk of cancer, or heart disease, have been busted.
And now, a new study has been published that indicates actual hormone replacement therapy is likely safer than many so-called “HRT alternatives.”
The Dutch study, published by Wageningen University, concluded that, “natural alternatives” to hormone therapy for menopausal women may not be as safe as once thought.
The Latest Research on Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
This new study on hormone replacement looked at herbal supplements and plant-based compounds which can mimic the estrogen, and are often taken because women believe they are safer for them than HRT, for dealing with menopausal symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes.
However, according to the Dutch researchers, this rumor about hormone replacement may not be the case.
The compounds known as “phytoestrogens” are similar in chemical structure to estrogen and are found in soy and soy products. The Dutch scientists found that while they can mimic some of the benefits of estrogen replacement, these phytoestrogens also have a number of “antiestrogenic properties,” that can cause a number of serious side effects. These include: infertility, and increased risks of breast cancer, and cancer of the uterus.
In fact, the researchers theorized that, unlike the hormones used in HRT, these phytoestrogens may “naturally” be harmful to women! The theory goes that plants may use phytoestrogens as part of their natural defense to control female fertility to prevent overpopulation and overgrazing by plant-eating animals.
Hormone Therapy Benefits
The truth is, there is no safer and more effective way to treat the symptoms of menopause than with doctor supervised hormone replacement therapy. The same can be said for men dealing with “andropause,” or the symptoms of low testosterone.
There are just so many benefits of hormone therapy, that its value far outweighs any risks! Hormone therapy for men, or women can:
Help you build muscle and burn fat- Improve your vitality and energy levels
- Improve sleep
- Improve cognition
- Improve libido or sex drive
- Provide an increased sense of overall strength and well-being
However, like any medical procedure, hormone therapy is not entirely without its risks and potential side effects.
Which is all the more reason why anyone over 40 who is experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormonal issues, such as: fatigue, weight gain, sleep disruption, mood swings, etc., seek the advice of qualified medical professionals.
Only through proper analysis and diagnostics, can doctors get at the root of your hormone imbalances, and then prescribe the most effective hormone therapy treatments for your individual needs and lifestyle.
