What exactly is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Some of us might have heard of the term “hormone replacement therapy” before but for others who haven’t but want to know more, here’s a simple guide of what it is exactly and who is it for.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an age management treatment wherein a patient receives hormones to supplement or substitute their naturally occurring hormones that are imbalanced or not in optimal levels.

So, what are hormones for?

Hormones are an essential part of all living creatures – humans, plants and animals. For us human beings, hormones influence our bodies to function properly – why we are able to reproduce, why we develop muscles, why our immune system is functioning well, etc.

In other words, we need ‘optimal’ levels of hormones to live better lives and experience healthy aging. Any form of deficiency in our hormones not only make us feel physically poor but also cause our bodies not to function well. This is why some individuals with hormonal imbalance or deficient hormone levels are prone to weight gain, fatigue, insomnia, low libido to name a few.

HRT in Women

Women, as they say, are complex beings. This can be seen not only in their behavior and way of thinking but also in their hormonal system. As a woman turns mid 30s, she will experience a decline in her testosterone levels. (Women’s bodies also carries testosterone as it helps her develop muscle, gain energy and improve her sex drive.)

When she reached her 40s and above, her two main reproductive hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which are in charge of menstruation and fertility, will decline next. And when her estrogen and progesterone reach to low levels, she will be in her menopausal stage.

During menopause, she may experience unpleasant symptoms associated with this phase of life including:

• Hot flushes
• Mood swings
• Night sweats
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness

Some of these symptoms pass within a few years but others may stay for some time. Fortunately, Hormone Replacement Therapy is considered as a helpful menopause treatment as it provides effective relief from these uncomfortable symptoms. Furthermore, HRT is known to decrease the risk of osteoporosis and other degenerative diseases common to women.

At Cutis Laser Clinics, an anti aging clinic in Singapore, HRT is one of the key component of Optimagenics Age Management Program to improve the quality of life of women undergoing menopause.

To check if you are a good candidate for Optimagenics, you will receive a complimentary needs assessment with Dr Sylvia, the Medical & Scientific Director of Cutis Laser Clinics. She will also provide a health check and a medical history evaluation, so you can be sure you are not taking any risks. By starting on this program, you will receive clinically-indicated prescription medicines or bioidentical hormones to supplement or substitute your naturally occurring hormones.

For women in HRT, it is necessary to have an annual re-assessment as the prescription medication may vary depending on your health status. And same as with other treatments, risks and benefits should be thoroughly discussed allowing you to have informed decision of the treatment options.

HRT in Men

Men also undergo hormonal changes and go through their own version of menopause in their late 40’s to early 50’s.  Male menopause is also known as andropause and there are various symptoms associated with this, including:

• Mood swings
• Fat redistribution
• Low energy levels
• Insomnia
• Loss of muscle mass

Unlike women, men’s hormonal cycles are more straight-forward as they require optimum level of testosterone. When testosterone levels drop in men, it is usually slow and steady and the symptoms may not be noticeable until a bigger health problem emerges.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) can lower the risks of heart attack, stroke and early death in men by normalizing levels of the hormone. Testosterone affects men’s libido and sexual performance, as well as their mood and sense of well-being.

Optimagenics Age Management also offers men the chance to experience healthy aging, by addressing the hormonal imbalance responsible for these unpleasant symptoms. Testosterone Replacement Therapy is a safe age management medicine treatment, allowing men to feel more energetic, increase muscle strength, decrease fat, improve moods and restore sex drive.

Developed by Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, Optimagenics has been scientifically proven to help men restore their youthful energy and vitality. Dr Sylvia Ramirez, the Age Management Physician, will provide a detailed discussion as well as a needs assessment to check if you are suitable for the program. Dr. Sylvia has over 20 years of experience in medicine and has been certified in Age Management Medicine.

Together with Cutis Medical Laser Clinics, you will build an exercise, nutrition and hormonal treatment plan to help you achieve your health goals. With an increased sex drive, better sleep quality and decreased body fat, you will regain youthful confidence and you will feel and look better. Optimagenics aims not just to add years to your life but more life to your advanced years.