As we age, our bodies naturally experience changes which include hormone imbalances. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has become a popular tool for treating these differences because it helps restore the body’s balance which can affect both men and women. Alpine Women’s Centre at Montrose Regional Health offers different types of HRT including BioTe® pellets.
Over time the production of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormones diminishes in our bodies. These hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms including fatigue, reduced bone density, mood swings, hot flashes in women, reduced libido, cognitive decline, and muscle loss. If you look at that list – those aren’t fun symptoms to experience! The good news is hormone replacement therapy can help restore hormone levels.
HRT is more popular with women, and that is probably because of the changes their bodies experience during menopause. These hormones play important roles in regulating menstrual cycles, maintaining bone density, and much more. Some of the benefits our patients can experience include reducing the frequency or severity of hot flashes, improving sleep patterns, and benefits for sexual health as well. It may be surprising to hear that HRT can have long term benefits as well, as it may help prevent osteoporosis and even cardiovascular disease.
Remember, men experience this hormone imbalance as well! While a man could be uncomfortable to visit our Alpine Women’s Centre please know we have lots of men who benefit from HRT treatment. Hormone replacement therapy can help reduce fatigue and decreased muscle mass. It is also associated with improved energy levels, muscle strength and more. And, yes – there are sexual health benefits as well.
Because HRT is about restoring balance, it’s possible it’s not the right treatment for you. Each body is different. Your best first step is to discuss it with your provider. But because HRT can help with your quality of life, it might not be a bad idea to ask the question and see if it’s right for you. Hormone level tests will be available at the Health Fair blood draws in August if you and your provider feel this is a good place to start. Make an appointment at Alpine Women’s Centre by calling 970.249.6737 to get started today. If you aren’t established with a primary care provider, you can find providers accepting new patients by calling the Montrose Regional Health referral line at 970-240-7374.
About Montrose Regional Health (www.MontroseHealth.com)
Montrose Regional Health is a 501(c)3 nonprofit healthcare system serving Montrose, San Miguel, Ouray, Gunnison, Delta, Hinsdale and San Juan counties. The hospital is licensed for 75-beds and offers an extensive range of inpatient & outpatient health care services, including cardiology, oncology, minimally invasive surgery, laboratory, medical imaging/radiology, Mountain View Therapy, Acute Rehabilitation Unit, advanced respiratory & pulmonary services, and the family birthing center. The health system has a reputation for acquiring the latest technologies in healthcare, from robotic assisted surgical services to UVC-disinfection technology. Montrose Regional Health is the second-largest employer in Montrose County, with more than 700 employees and 100 providers who represent 23 medical specialties. With a tagline that reads Caring for you like family, the health system is known for its warm patient care.