HORMONE BALANCING and sexual health for anyone

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Hormone therapy involves replacing or supplementing hormones when medically appropriate.

Depending on the patient, therapy may involve hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Treatment is individualized and requires appropriate medical evaluation and monitoring.

Symptoms alone do not necessarily mean you have a hormone imbalance.

Your provider may review your symptoms, medical history, medications, physical health, and appropriate laboratory testing to determine whether hormone therapy may be appropriate for you.

Symptoms vary considerably from person to person. Depending on the hormone involved and the individual's stage of life, symptoms may include:

• Hot flashes or night sweats
• Changes in sleep
• Fatigue or low energy
• Changes in mood
• Decreased sexual desire
• Vaginal dryness or discomfort
• Changes in menstrual patterns
• Changes in body composition
• Decreased muscle strength
• Difficulty concentrating

These symptoms can have many possible causes, so proper evaluation is important.

 No.

Hormonal changes can affect both women and men. Hormone therapy may be considered for appropriately evaluated patients when a clinically significant hormone deficiency or other indication is present.

 Depending on the hormone and treatment plan, administration may include:

• Creams or gels
• Tablets or capsules
• Injections
• Patches
• Other prescribed forms

Your provider will recommend the appropriate route based on your individual treatment plan.

 Everyone responds differently.

Some patients notice changes within weeks, while other improvements may take longer. Hormone therapy is typically monitored over weeks or months rather than judged by symptoms after only a few days.

  Hormone therapy is not primarily a weight-loss treatment.

Hormonal changes can influence body composition, appetite, energy, and metabolism, but hormone therapy should not be used simply as a weight-loss medication unless there is an appropriate medical indication.

 Some patients experience improved energy when an underlying hormone deficiency is appropriately diagnosed and treated.

However, fatigue has many possible causes, including sleep problems, nutritional deficiencies, medications, stress, thyroid disorders, anemia, and other medical conditions.

 Hormonal changes can affect sexual desire, arousal, vaginal comfort, penile performance, and sexual function or enhancement.

Hormone therapy may help some appropriately selected patients, but sexual health concerns can have many causes and should be individually evaluated.

 Yes. Side effects depend on the hormone, formulation, dose, route of administration, and individual patient.

Possible effects may include:

• Breast tenderness
• Bloating or fluid retention
• Mood changes
• Acne or oily skin
• Changes in hair growth or hair loss
• Headaches
• Changes in menstrual bleeding
• Injection-site discomfort

Your provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks associated with your specific treatment.