Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Blood levels of many different hormones peak during our teens and twenties, then decline throughout life.
Hormone deficiencies thus occur in later life that contribute to adverse health and quality-of-life problems. Some hormones decline abruptly, such as estrogen and progesterone at menopause, and other hormones decline slowly and steadily over the decades, including human growth hormone (HGH), testosterone, DHEA, and melatonin.
If hormone levels routinely measured from the ages of 20 through 30 were safe and necessary for health and vitality, then it stands to reason that restoring those same levels with natural, bioidentical hormones with advancing age may also be safe and beneficial.
Your first step is to find a health care provider knowledgeable in this area. Blood testing is the most accurate way to determine whether replacement is medically indicated. Although saliva tests are used by some providers, we believe that blood tests allow a much more accurate assessment. (Saliva levels vary widely from with state of hydration, hunger, and satiety) In addition, you should have a thorough physical examination with a detailed medical history before commencing a program of HRT. Bear in mind that HRT means hormone replacement therapy: REPLACEMENT of deficient levels back to normal levels.
HRT is not appropriate for healthy, younger people who are merely seeking enhancement of their normal levels. Laboratory testing and physical findings on examination are used to scientifically determine whether hormone levels are normal or have become deficient. If you are a suitable candidate for HRT, an individualized treatment plan can then be designed.