To decide if Hormone Replacement Therapy (HTR) is the best course of action for you, you should first understand what it is and how it is delivered. HTR is used to either stimulate or prevent overproducing or underproducing hormones. The two most popular procedures for doing the process are either surgical or pharmaceutical, both of which have drawbacks.
Hormone replacement side effects are almost similar in both males and females, yet some vary with gender and lifestyle. Understanding the side effects may help you determine whether Hormone Replacement Therapy is the right procedure for you. So read on to understand whether HRT is what you need.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Side Effects In Women
Here are some adverse effects on women that you might consider before deciding whether to undergo HRT:
- Fatigue
HRT can cause tiredness ranging from mild to severe exhaustion. Poor concentration and attentiveness may indicate this. When you’re feeling this way, consider taking brief naps during the day, along with a good diet and exercise.
- Digestive System Problems
HRT may harm the organ system in charge of digestion. In this case, women who have received HRT frequently experience digestive issues like stomach cramps that result in vomiting or puking, diarrhea, and nausea. Although the HRT process has some negative effects, the frequency of these digestive issues is less common. Talking to your doctor about treatment options for these digestive issues is important.
- Menopausal Symptoms
HRT can cause menstrual irregularities, either less or more frequently, in women, as well as a variety of unpleasant symptoms such as virginal dryness, decreased libido, and hot flashes. Menopausal symptoms caused by HRT might be transitory or chronic.
- Hair Thinning And Weight Gaining
When on HRT, you may have hair thinning, which is a decrease in hair density, thickness, and quantity, though it is often not severe. You can speak with your doctor about potential therapies and medications for this HRT adverse effect.
On the other hand, maintaining your weight at a lower level could be challenging for you. Speaking with a dietitian about the best meals is important.
- Osteoporosis
This is one of the most common HRT adverse effects. It’s a most common syndrome in women and is caused by menopause. In this instance, your bones become very porous, making them prone to fracture and break easily. However, not all kinds of HRT can cause osteoporosis, so you may need regular bone density screenings to determine your potential future with HRT operations.
Furthermore, to strengthen your bones, you may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements along with exercise and less alcohol.
- Memory Problems And Headaches
You may also experience memory loss due to brain fog when on HRT, which may lead to poor concentration. Memory loss, on the other hand, is less common than headaches. Headaches are a typical side effect of hormone replacement treatment, but they are usually moderate and treatable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Given the foregoing negative effects of HRT, determining whether or not to undergo HRT will be easier if you are a woman.
Hormone Replacement Side Effects In Men
The negative effects listed below may help you decide whether to proceed with HRT if you are a male considering the therapy.
- Changes In Sex Drive
HRT has sexual side effects on men. HRT may cause a man to have reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, changes in orgasm, and changes in the size of the male organ. You might need to talk to your partner about it and come to an agreement on different forms of intimacy to deal with such a negative effect.
- Memory And Concentration Loss
HRT may cause memory loss and impaired concentration in men. Relevantly, you might have brain fog, which could cause your brain to swell. It is recommended to keep your mind active by engaging in various activities, such as puzzles and crosswords, which will stimulate brain functions. On top of that, make sure to eat healthy food and get enough sleep.
- Hot Flashes
Hot flashes in males are caused by extreme testosterone changes, particularly decreasing, which can occur during androgen restriction for prostate cancer treatment as well as male menopause. Hot flashes can occur suddenly and without notice and can be severe. You should drink more cold beverages and water to stay hydrated, keep your living area cool, and bathe in lukewarm water.
- Extreme Exhaustion
HRT can also cause excessive tiredness in men. Tiredness is connected with fatigue, a prevalent side effect in all HRT formulations and the most common adverse effect described. To counteract this adverse effect, it may be necessary to maintain a physical exercise schedule, eat a balanced diet, and obtain adequate sleep.
- Decreasing Bone Density
HRT may cause a decrease in bone weight or density loss, which is frequently referred to as bone thinning. Your bones may thin as a result of hormonal treatment, leading to osteoporosis or bone weakness. When experiencing this side effect, calcium and vitamin D-rich foods and supplements may be beneficial.
- Body Hair Loss and Weight Gain
The HRT treatment may cause you to lose body hair, which is a frequent side effect of hormone replacement therapies. In most cases, hair loss happens while on therapy, but the hair grows back when the treatment has stopped. On the other hand, you may gain weight, particularly in the tummy or middle portion, and you may be recommended to walk as an exercise activity at this time.
With the above side effects, you should be able to determine whether or not to continue HRT if you’re a man.
Conclusion
Determining whether a hormone replacement treatment process meets your interests while also maintaining your physical and emotional health and healing requires you to be aware of the potential negative effects.
As previously stated, the majority of the adverse effects are shared by both men and women. Some of these side effects are manageable, but you should seek advice from your doctor for the appropriate treatment. The doctor will assist you in determining whether HRT is appropriate for you.
