10/26/2021
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is becoming increasingly popular among those of us seeking to look, feel, and be our best. With more practitioners offering it, you may not know what to look for when you decide it’s time to start hormones.
Here are some things to evaluate and questions to ask to decide if hormone therapy is the right decision for you.
First and foremost, you need to recognize that hormones fall within the discipline of internal medicine. This means that a doctor or nurse practitioner who has either specialized in or had years of experience treating patients with hormones is ideal.
If possible, try to find a provider who has a degree in metabolics, biology, internal medicine, or functional medicine. These are, essentially, the most relevant fields of study with regards to hormones, and since our hormone balance is as much a science as it is an art form, this education is a crucial foundation for properly prescribed hormone therapy.
Additionally, you want to make sure that the hormones being prescribed in your treatment are what’s called “bio-identical”, meaning they are created in such a way that they exactly match the hormones already in our bodies. This is crucial because synthetic hormones can cause serious issues and even lead to the development of cancer, whereas bio-identical hormones have actually been shown to offer protection from such things.
If you’re interested in HRT, be sure to find a provider who only prescribes bio-identical hormones. Also make sure to find a provider who specializes in the treatment, not just dabbles; HRT is a balancing act which should be carefully planned and monitored to ensure healthy, long-lasting benefits.
