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TRILOGY® AT VISTANCIA®
the balance By Dr. Amy Whittington, NMD
It’s likely just reading the title of this article triggered your feelings about the subject of hormone therapy for menopausal women and andropausal men. Many of you are likely to be happy, confident users of HRT (hormone replacement therapy). While, others may have deep-rooted, and sometimes justifiable, fears about such treatments. Sadly, hormone therapy has become a divisive issue with practitioners and patients tending to fall on one side or the other without exception. But this doesn’t need to be so. While a small minority are not good candidates for some types of HRT based upon personal or family history, the vast majority of patients could benefit from hormone balance treatments. with very low risk. Such treatments can provide relief from nagging symptoms, and provide long-term benefits, helping to combat diseases such as dementia, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and more. Hormones begin to change for most as early as age 40, reaching their lowest levels during menopause for women and andropause for men. Women, often mistakenly equate menopause with simply hot flashes and mood swings. Although these symptoms can certainly be a part of the picture, menopause also commonly
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leads to insomnia, fatigue, low libido, weight gain, skin and hair changes, brain-fog, and flat affect (low mood). Unfortunately women often believe if they aren’t having hot flashes, they are not showing menopausal symptoms, and they do not pursue treatment, even if they are suffering in other ways. As a result, women are more commonly prescribed anti-depressants, lipidlowering medications, and sleeping pills to control symptoms related to the age-related decline of their hormones. Men, too, are typically only tested for testosterone levels if they have functional issues, leaving men who have had significant changes in sleep, energy, brain-clarity, and mood without effective treatment. Making matters worse, HRT research history has been tumultuous during the past 20 years. We’ve seen vast changes in researchgathered risks versus benefits associated with hormone therapy. Unfortunately, way too many physicians still quote old, flawed research with regards to risks when discussing HRT options with patients. In reality, hormone balance should be considered for increased quality of life, longevity, and increased healthy years as we age. Strong evidence shows hormone balance for men and women,
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