By Murilo Lima, M.D.
Like it or not, aging is part of life. Our bodies are getting older every minute we are alive. Reaching middle age and then “senior” can be difficult to come to grips with for many. In a perfect world, people would be proud of the experience and wisdom that comes with age. However, that isn’t exactly true in today’s society. Aging is often seen as a curse instead of a blessing. It is often associated with a lack of appeal and going “downhill”.
The good news is that there are ways to age well. While there is no fountain of youth (yet), your physician can improve many aging changes and conditions with simple techniques. One of those techniques is hormone replacement therapy.
Hormone loss is a natural part of the aging process, but thanks to medical advances, we now have the ability to add hormones to our system. This creates the hormone balance that has been lost as we age. This balance may help alleviate signs that are typically associated with aging.
As we age, our hormones levels start to decline. This decline is a major contributor to age-related problems. Hormones are generally at their highest levels when we are young. In our 30s, they start to decrease. Women observe changes in hormone levels as they progress into perimenopause and then menopause. Hormone imbalances in women and in men can lead to a number of unwanted aging issues such as:
. Dry/saggy skin
. Muscle tone and mass loss
. Vaginal tissue thinning
. Decreased vaginal lubrication
. Increased frequency of UTIs
. Weakening or disappearance of erections
. Diminished sex drive
. Decreased bone density
. Depression
. Weight gain
. Mood swings
. Brain fog
. Memory problems
. Fatigue
. Insomnia
How does hormone replacement therapy (HRT) work?
Although the name is somewhat self-explanatory, we need to understand that the goal of HRT is not just to replace, but to also create balance. This is due to the fact that excessively high hormone levels are also a risk. Correcting imbalances is really the key.
Estrogen is an important hormone for females. It comes in 3 different forms: estradiol, estriol, and estrone. These are different both in chemical structure and in function. Estrogen’s main role is to promote the development of sexual characteristics in women. It is crucial in the maintenance of reproductive health. During the years leading up to menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly and result in such problems as vaginal dryness and loss of elasticity, decrease in sex drive and pleasure, increase in frequency of UTI, depression, and osteoporosis.
When estrogen levels are low, a woman may begin to feel more tired and may have trouble sleeping at night. She may also have mood swings and headaches because of fluctuating blood pressure during this time. Hormone replacement therapy using estrogen can help with these symptoms and help with wrinkles, lower bone mass, and weight gain.
Progesterone is another important hormone for women. Its importance lies in the fact that is helps to regulate the balance of estrogen. Low levels of progesterone are associated with sleep issues. It is an essential component in quality sleep. It also helps with mental and immune functions. Symptoms such as “brain fog” and mood swings are likely from low levels of progesterone. When combined with estrogen (especially estradiol) the efficacy of progesterone replacement is increased.
Testosterone is also key hormone for both men and women. It helps with sex drive and maintaining muscle mass. The hormone enhances mental alertness, mood, and an overall sense of well-being. A person who lacks testosterone will be predisposed to weight gain, will feel less interested in sex, and have trouble getting a good night’s rest. Replacement of testosterone can also alleviate other signs of aging like wrinkles since it rejuvenates the skin by improving muscle elasticity, increasing sebum production, and improving blood flow to the cells.
Is HRT the fountain of youth?
Nothing can stop or reverse the process of aging. It is a natural process. However, hormone replacement therapy may help alleviate the symptoms associated with aging like wrinkled skin, dry skin, and loss of muscle tone. Doctors recommend combining hormone replacement therapy with exercise and healthy clean diet to keep you youthful and vibrant.
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The contract of care is straight between the patient and the doctor. Transparency is key. The high quality, evidence-based medicine will be provided to you directly by a board-certified PHYSICIAN (Dr. Murilo Lima), at an affordable cost. The low monthly membership fee will include virtually unlimited access to your doctor for all your medically related needs.
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If you would like to talk to a medical professional concerning aging, hormone replacement therapy, non surgical aesthetic enhancements please contact Dr. Murilo Lima at LIMA MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa in Fort Myers at 239-738-2626 or visit their website at www.lima-md.com.
LIMA MD Direct Primary Care & MedSpa
239-738-2626 | www.lima-md.com
17595 South Tamiami Trail, Suite 100, Fort Myers, FL 33908