Hormone Optimization Therapy
What Does Hormone Optimization Therapy Treat?
A myriad of reasons exist why hormones change but what is not disputed is that as we age, Testosterone decreases and as women approach menopause, estradiol and progesterone decrease. A deficiency in these hormones can lead many signs and symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Decreased muscle mass
- Decreased sex drive
- Pain with sex
- Increased visceral fat
- Insulin resistance
- Joint Pain
- Irregular sleep
- Vaginal dryness
- Thinning skin
- Diminished exercise recovery
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) refers to hormones taken after menopause begins and is meant to replace the missing hormones no longer being produced. Hormone optimization, on the other hand, refers to taking hormones to optimize levels leading to improved well-being. For instance, the suggested normal range for male testosterone ranges from 300 – 1100 ng/dl. Consequently, the average physician may advise a male with a testosterone level of 301 ng/dl that he is within normal limits and no testosterone is needed. How do you think that person feels with testosterone level of 1100 ng/dl vs 301 ng/dl? Completely different! Hence, hormone optimization is intended to aim for physiologic levels that provide the best chance for feeling your best.