It wasn’t long ago when the female and male figures in our life were sitting in the doctor’s office, discreetly flipping through already-dated medical pamphlets, causing even more confusion (and possibly embarrassment) about what even hormone replacement therapy can do in their personal journey to better health (and sex life).
Luckily, with passing years and copious amounts of research regarding sexual wellness, the discussion regarding hormone replacement therapy has expanded to benefit both women and men, and has become more openly discussed in the medical field and even in personal dialogue with people we trust. We’re happy to know it’s not just about menopause and night sweats anymore. It’s about much more – your overall wellness.
Hormone Replacement Therapy of Females
Of course, let’s start with the fact that, first and foremost, any discussion regarding HRT should at least be monitored by a healthcare professional. It’s not that we don’t trust your brunch besties with their opinions on the matter, but it’s important to note that anything you put into your body that could alter your hormone levels should be monitored closely by the experts who are able to test you for results and changes.
“How I usually explain hormones to my patients, both males and females, is that until about age 30, we produce all the testosterone we need, unless there is a physiological problem that affects their production,”
Danielle Diaz, NP at Trend Aesthetics and Wellness
Hormone Replacement Therapy of Males
With testosterone being the hormone that helps provide us all the great things in life (energy, creating lean muscle mass, strength and stamina for better workouts, good moods, and perhaps the most exciting – a great libido), it’s key to having this hormone in nearly-perfect balance. Both men and women participating in HRT are watched closely by their healthcare professionals to monitor testosterone and estrogen levels, and medication may also be given based on that lab work.
“After the age of 30, our testosterone level decreases each year, and by about age 40, about half of people can start to feel the effects of low testosterone due to decreased production. By 50, almost everyone feels the effects of low testosterone.” says Diaz.
Hormone Replacement Therapy for Menopause
Of course, HRT has been used for several decades for women who are postmenopausal to help balance symptoms such as mood swings, inconsistent periods, and other not-so-fun side effects of menopause. But the “better-sex-life” aspect of HRT is being openly discussed now more than ever, leading medical professionals to see their patients gain a positive outlook on their sexual health for the first time in years. Women who have suffered from vaginal dryness, painful sex due to that dryness, headaches, fatigue, and other harsh signs of an imbalance in hormones are reporting benefits of HRT.
Men, who have previously felt a lower sex drive, a harder time gaining muscle mass, and moodiness are also reporting feeling so much better when their hormones are balanced. Everyone is happy, and that’s leading to more fun in the bedroom for all.
Sexual Wellness and Happiness is a long, but easy road
The road to this magical balance is simpler than you might think. We can thank the generations before us for starting the important discussion around sexual health and happiness, and now we get to reap the benefits.
“The usual process is: the patient comes in and I ask them questions, get a full medical history, draw a comprehensive panel of labs, which checks for other potential causes of their problems,” said Diaz.
“So many people that come to see me will ask why nobody has ever discussed their sexual function or dysfunction with them. They are grateful to find out that there is a solution for symptoms they are experiencing. Primary care providers often don’t do a detailed sexual history because they just don’t have time.”
Don’t let your happiness and health fall by the wayside. Schedule time with a medical professional (your friends over at Trend) who is willing to listen, evaluate your individual case, and find a solution for your body and mind.
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