Q. I'm a woman. Why should I consider testosterone replacement therapy?A. Though testosterone is the primary male hormone, it is not unique to males. Testosterone is produced in the testes of males and in the ovaries and adrenals of females. In women prior to menopause, the ovaries produce approximately one-tenth the amount of testosterone produced by males of a similar age. Testosterone plays a very important role in sexual desire, in maintaining and synthesizing muscle tissue, and in losing body fat. The often considerable difference in male and female testosterone levels is the primary reason males and females typically lose weight at different rates, even when on the same weight loss regimen. Testosterone is the hormone of desire in both men and women. A lack of testosterone in women can cause a loss of libido, sexual discomfort and a decreasing sex drive throughout menopause. Females are typically given only estrogens, progestins and thyroid as hormone replacement therapy. However, administering estrogen and progesterone to a woman without addressing diminished testosterone levels makes it extremely difficult, and at times impossible, for her to lose weight or to properly restore her sex drive.
Q. Who should partake of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)?
A. As its name implies, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is to replace deficient levels of hormones within our bodies. Most hormones, such as rHGH (Human Growth Hormone), Testosterone and Estrogen, can only be prescribed by a physician. Therefore, HRT should only be undertaken under the supervision and guidance of a physician. Since we lose our abilities to produce various hormones from about the age of 25 and upward, many adults would qualify as hormone deficient when tested for levels of hormones within their bodies. If you are experiencing signs and symptoms caused by a hormonal deficiency, you should contact a hormone replacement physician and have your hormone levels tested.
Q. What are some of the signs and symptoms of hormone deficiency?
A. Among the various signs of hormone deficiency that have been noted by researchers in the field are a loss of libido, reduced lean body mass (muscle), an increase in body fat, decreased bone density, a lowered metabolic rate, an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a decrease in HDL (good) cholesterol, lack of energy plus decreased strength and exercise performance. As women approach menopause (perimenopause) their delicate balance of hormones is disrupted and symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats and chills, moodiness, anxiety, irregular or painful periods, fast weight gain and water retention, trouble sleeping, memory loss, bouts of dizziness or depression, loss of sexual desire and vaginal dryness are common signs and symptoms that should not be ignored.
Q. What are some of the very early symptoms of hormone deficiency?
A. Early hormone deficiency symptoms include a reduced vitality and sex drive with significant weight gain. Feeling tired or exhausted all the time with a dramatic loss of energy - bordering on fatigue; hot flashes and night sweats; insomnia; impaired psychological well-being (anxiety and depression); memory loss or confusion with dizziness; frequent headaches and irritability; graying and brittle hair; brittle nails; dry skin; wrinkling and blotchy skin with a loss of skin thickness and tone.
Q. What can HRT accomplish for me?
A. Researchers have empirical clinical evidence that bio-identical HRT (BHRT) with Human Growth Hormone, Testosterone, Progesterone and Estrogen replacement can increase muscle mass, decrease body fat, increase bone density to fight osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol, improve your sleep patterns, increase energy and strengthen your immune system, enhance your sexual drive and performance, releive vaginal dryness and discomfort, regenerate your organs including heart, liver and kidneys, improve your hair and vision, improve skin tone and remove wrinkles.
When Testosterone is applied to the clitoris it can help improve sexual sensitivity and response. When both Estriol and testosterone are applied to the vaginal area it can improve vaginal tissue quality and help treat urinary incontinence problems. Transdermal hormone replacement therpies can also help with urinary leakage issues as well.
Testosterone therapy helps improve libido and mood, reduce depression, anxiety and panic attacks, increase energy and stamina, fight fatigue, improve muscle mass and tone while reducing fat and cellulite. Hormone replacement can help reduce pain, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis by increasing the bone mineral density and bone mass.
Q. How long can I commit to Hormone Replacement Therapy?
A. Hormone Replacement Therapy can be a lifetime commitment. Most studies have been done involving a minimum of six months therapy. Many have been and are conducted over longer periods of time. Benefits gained from HRT will gradually diminish if the therapy program is not continued.
Many individuals on HRT obtain excellent results with a rotating or cyclical protocol of six months on HRT and four to eight weeks off.
Q. What are the risks or side effects of HRT?
A. Studies show that HRT used at the proper dosages to return diminished levels of hormones to their optimum youthful levels rarely has any negative side effects. In fact, long-term studies show that HRT over a period of years is virtually free from side effects while providing continuing benefits.
Q. How can I tell if what I receive is authentic natural hormones?
A.There are many hormone products on the market. The Anti-Aging Group, provides you with only 100 percent natural hormones just like your body produces - these are known as "bio-identical hormones". If you are estrogen deficient and require estrogen replacement, a bio-identical estrogen cream like BiEst or Triest will be prescribed as medically indicated. If you are progesterone or testosterone deficient a cream or gel will be prescribed as medically indicated. On every supply of hormones you receive from the Anti-Aging Group, you will find a control number that signifies its authenticity. All 100 percent natural hormones will have a control number on their packaging. If it is not there, the product is not what it claims to be.
Q. Why do I need a blood analysis to qualify for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
A. As previously stated, Hormone Replacement Therapy is used to restore your hormone levels to their optimum youthful levels. You need a blood test to determine your existing hormone levels, to see whether or not you qualify for HRT and what your replacement dosages should be. Since most of the hormones used in HRT are dispensed by prescription only, you cannot obtain them without a physician's prescription. At AAG Health's Anti-Aging Physicians Group, prescription hormone medication is provided in exacting doses as is medically indicated by your blood test and medical evaluation.
The Anti-Aging Group of Hormone Therapy Physicians at the AAG Health Clinic are HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) experts and authorities in the fields of Age Management, Endocrinology and Anti-Aging Medicine. Learn about Testosterone, HCG and HGH, Human Growth Hormone Therapy. Call us at 1-800-325-1325 for information.
