Hormone Replacement Therapy is for EVERYONE
We have been conditioned to believe that only 50+ year old women have issues with their hormones due to menopause. I am here to flip this antiquated and unrealistic belief on its head. LISTEN UP!
If you suffer from one or more than one of the following symptoms: reduced energy levels, brain fog, uncontrollable weight gain, angry or depressed mood, low libido, or struggle to remember, you are most likely a candidate - regardless if you are male OR female. That’s right. You heard me! I heard that record screeching in your head! If you have given birth to a child or are 40+ and you have NOT had your hormone levels checked, do NOT pass go. Do not collect $200. This is a GAME CHANGER. I spoke to a 29 year old mom of 1 and she told me she needed help too!! (And she told me that literally every member of her family - MALE AND FEMALE - receive hormone replacement therapy!)
It was a slow decline for me, but one day I realized that I wasn’t myself at all. When you start out with all the hormones but they slowly decline, you know you aren’t yourself, but you don’t know exactly what the problem is. I talked to my GYN about some of the problems I had been experiencing and he kind of laughed it off and gave me the “schpeal” about getting older - but he never did a blood draw to test my hormone levels. THIS IS WHY YOU NEED TO FIND A DOCTOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN HRT. Most OBGYNs are too busy to do this line of work and most men don’t realize they are candidates. A friend of mine recommended the doctor that I go to now. So do yourself a favor and ask your friends. I guarantee you that you know someone who is getting treatment. Experts say there is a simple treatment for menopausal symptoms that is safe and effective, but drastically underused.
My husband and I went to dinner with another friend couple of ours and the topic of aging came up and my friend leaned in and whispered (get hormone replacement therapy!) to me and that’s when I brought up the topic in front of both of our husbands and proudly announced that I was receiving the therapy too. She thought it was crazy that I, too, was already receiving HRT until I told her it was for way more people than she thought. It blew her mind too!
After a simple blood draw, I met with the doctor to find out that I was barely making any testosterone (yes, women have it in their bodies too!), my progesterone was low, I was not on the correct thyroid medication, and I needed vitamin D and DHEA supplements. HOLY. CRAP. I looked at him and told him I knew I was “broken.” He gently corrected me and told me that I was not broken, but very normal.
Here are the deets: Seven symptoms of hormone imbalances show up repeatedly in patients over 30. You should make an appointment to be evaluated by a doctor if you check any of the below boxes. I CHECKED EVERY BOX! 😳
Changes in mood or emotional well-being: Hormonal imbalances can affect mood, and individuals may experience changes in mood or emotional well-being, such as feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable. BEFORE: I mostly noticed this with my children. I was (admittedly and sadly) extremely short with them. AFTER: I am so much happier!!!! I have so much more patience!
Changes in sleep patterns: Hormonal imbalances can affect sleep patterns, and individuals may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, or they may experience excessive sleepiness. BEFORE: I had trouble staying asleep. I’d wake up at 2 or 3 and not be able to go back to sleep. AFTER: I am sleeping through the night (unless our new puppy needs out in the middle of the night).
Changes in energy levels: Hormonal imbalances can affect energy levels, and individuals may feel excessively tired or have difficulty maintaining energy levels throughout the day. BEFORE: There were some days I had hardly any energy. AFTER: DRASTIC difference!! WOW!!!
Changes in weight: Hormonal imbalances can affect weight, and individuals may experience unexplained weight gain or weight loss. BEFORE: I kid you not. I ate NO wheat, sweets and consumed zero booze in 30 days, exercised roughly 5 times a week and GAINED weight. My first doctor told me to join Weight Watchers. I knew this was NOT the answer. AFTER: I am maintaining and losing weight on my own!
Changes in skin or hair: Hormonal imbalances can affect the skin and hair, and individuals may experience changes in their skin or hair, such as acne, dryness, or thinning hair. BEFORE: I am slightly embarrassed to tell you how much hair was left on my shower walls and in my shower drain. AFTER: Not kidding - ZERO hair loss! 😃
Changes in menstrual cycle: In women, hormonal imbalances can affect the menstrual cycle, and individuals may experience irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or missed periods. BEFORE: I can’t really compare this. I have an IUD and haven’t had a period in years. Sorry. I can’t compare here.
Changes in sexual function: Hormonal imbalances can affect sexual function, and individuals may experience changes in their libido or difficulties with sexual performance. BEFORE: Libido? ha! 🤣 What libido??? AFTER: WOW 😳🔥
All in all: I feel COMPLETELY different! If you notice any of the above changes, do me a favor and find a doctor in your area who practices hormone replacement therapy. I feel “normal” again! It’s like a breath of fresh air.
Let’s talk about the men now. There are 5 noticeable differences men will see if they have low hormone levels and seek HRT:
Increased energy levels - fatigue and listlessness will switch to feel invigorated with heightened energy levels including your endurance.
Renewed libido - If you’ve felt the effects of lower testosterone in the bedroom, you may find that your libido returns with HRT.
Rebuilt muscle mass - Much like my own experience, men can see their efforts at the gym doing no good. Turns out weight and resistance exercises produce better results when your testosterone levels are balanced. As a bonus, HRT helps boost your metabolism. #winninng
Goodbye body fat - Pinch me. Is this a dream????! Who WOULDN’T want that?! More muscle mass, increased energy levels, and a boost to your metabolism combine to make it easier to lose excess weight making this an absolute no brainer. Say goodbye to your belly!!!
More focus and better concentration - Once you begin HRT and your levels reach homiostatis (balanced levels), you may find that you can think more clearly. You may also enjoy a more stabilized mood and better sleep!
Make sure you tell your friends. Encourage them to explore this form of wellness for themselves as well. Let’s change the conversation around this topic. It shouldn’t be taboo anymore. After all, it is just one more way you take care of yourself.
Do it. I promise you won’t be disappointed! You can thank me later 😘