Perineural injection therapy (PIT) is a treatment for inflamed nerves. It uses a weak solution of dextrose to calm down inflamed or injured nerves. It is used on chronic and acute injuries to promote healing.

Hormones control virtually everything about our bodies, from our brain function to our energy levels and even our moods. But as we age, hormone production tends to decline, which can cause use discomfort, while speeding up the aging process. If these hormone levels drop too low it can even cause health issues. Some conditions caused by hormone imbalances include:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • Addison’s disease
  • PCOS

While these health concerns require specialized medical attention, some symptoms can be treated through hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

HRT fills in the gap of specific production by injecting the hormone into the body. This is primarily given to women, but it can be an option for men, too. While HRT is not a cure for all hormone issues, it may be a viable treatment for certain symptoms.

So, could you benefit from HRT? Here are 5 types of symptoms that it can effectively treat.

1. Symptoms of Menopause

Perhaps one of the most common reasons patients opt for HRT is to deal with symptoms of menopause. In fact, the CDC states that nearly 30% of women experiencing “the change” have turned to HRT to deal with the uncomfortable side effects.

During menopause, hormone production of estrogen, progesterone, and inhibin drop as the body stops producing eggs. This also signals an increase in FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone), which can cause extreme discomfort.

Some of the most common symptoms of menopause include:

  • Trouble sleeping and insomnia
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Mood swings
  • Joint and muscle soreness or stiffness
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Weight gain
  • Vaginal dryness

HRT helps to replace the hormones that have suddenly decreased, balancing out the production of LH and FSH. This helps to relieve these symptoms to make the transition through menopause more comfortable.

2. Symptoms of Andropause

Men experience hormonal changes as they age, too. This change in production is known as andropause. This often occurs in their late 40s or early 50s as testosterone levels start to drop. This may present some symptoms similar to menopause in women, such as mood swings, insomnia, and trouble with concentration.

Other symptoms include:

  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Weight gain, specifically in the chest and stomach
  • Lack of energy and enthusiasm
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Bone density loss

Testosterone HRT can help to alleviate these symptoms. This HRT treatment can be administered either through a weekly injection with pellet therapy, which is a small subcutaneous insertion. Pellets slowly release the hormones for 3-4 months and are easily removed or replaced.

3. Hair Loss

Sudden and extreme hair loss can also be a sign of a hormonal imbalance. This type of hormonal hair loss affects 80 million adults in the United States, and over 50% of men over the age of 50 experience this issue.

Hormonal hair loss is also known as androgenetic alopecia, as it is caused by drops in androgens. This impacts the hair follicles, creating a shorter growth cycle and thinner strands. By replacing these hormones with HRT, hair loss can slow or halt. In some cases, the loss may be reversible if treated early enough.

Another treatment that can be used with HRT to help reverse hair loss is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). This involves injecting blood platelets into the scalp to promote new cell growth

4. Low Sex Drive

Our hormones have a high impact on our libido, so any deficiencies can cause significant issues. This affects both men and women but in different ways. For men, this may manifest as a lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Women may start to experience pain during sex, typically caused by vaginal dryness.

These changes are often due to an increase in estrogen as well as a drop in testosterone. These hormones are present in both men and women, just in different concentrations. However, as we age, these levels can start to change.

HRT is extremely beneficial here for both men and women. There have been significant positive results in testosterone treatments for postmenopausal women with limited side effects. Testosterone therapy for men can also help to treat erectile dysfunction and boost sex drive.

5. Trouble Sleeping

If you have a harder time falling asleep and staying asleep as you age, hormonal imbalances could be to blame. Some of the hormones that influence our sleeping cycles are growth hormones, cortisol, melatonin, leptin, and ghrelin.

As we age, production slows down, making it more difficult to fall asleep or fall into deep sleep cycles. This not only leads to insomnia, but it can affect the brain as well. Poor sleep can make it harder to concentrate, cause brain fog, memory issues, and anxiety. HRT can help establish a natural sleep cycle, especially for women going through menopause.

Conclusion

HRT has shown significant improvement in many types of symptoms that are tied to hormone imbalances. However, it is important to fully discuss your symptoms and any health issues with a medical professional before considering this type of treatment.

At the Institute for Progressive Medicine, we take patient care very seriously. All treatments are specialized based on each person’s health conditions, symptoms, and needs. To learn more about HRT and see if it is a good fit for you, please contact our Irvine office online or by calling 949-600-5100.