Hormone Health: Are Hormone Replacement Clinics Safe?

Hormone replacement therapy is a booming 22 billion dollar health industry.

But, it’s smart to be skeptical of all of the “miracle drug” claims.

Whenever someone says something is too good to be true, the inclination is that it is.

Are hormone replacement clinics the real deal? Is hormone replacement therapy safe? Here’s what you need to know.

Is Hormone Replacement Therapy Safe?

Hormones are naturally occurring chemical messengers that tell the body’s organs and cells what to do and how to function. This includes everything from digesting food to aging to how we feel.

But, as you age, like other body systems, the endocrine system slows down and can even become faulty. According to hormone theory, this is a major reason why we age. So, the idea behind hormone replacement therapy is simply balancing your body with the hormones it should be producing.

Why does having a balanced endocrine system matter? According to Healthy Living Family Medical, a hormone imbalance can have a massive negative impact on your life. It can cause things like brain fog, anxiety, fatigue, dry skin, headaches, low energy, and even depression.

What Types of Hormones Are Safe to Take?

Two popular hormones you’ll see mentioned in discussions about hormone replacement therapy are growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and human growth hormone (HGH). Mutations and disruptions of these hormones are largely responsible for the negative symptoms above.

IGF-1 is a protein that behaves like insulin. Insulin is a hormone responsible for the regulation of your metabolism and the processing of carbohydrates and fats. HGH is important in the growth process from child to adult and is theorized to help slow down the aging process.

Are Bioidentical Hormones the Safest?

You might have seen the term “bioidentical” used in your research about hormone therapy. The name might sound involved, but it’s really quite easy to understand. Bioidentical hormones are man-made hormones that are made in an “identical” way to how they’re made in the body.

Bioidentical hormones are made in a process called “compounding.” They are sourced from a biological source, like a plant, and genetically altered to exactly match the molecular structure of the human hormone they are supplementing.

The benefit of bioidentical hormones is that they are reportedly more effective. Since they come from natural sources and fit into the body like a puzzle, they are also believed to be processed by the body more efficiently. Greater efficiency means greater effect.

Should I Trust Hormone Replacement Clinics?

Hormones affect every process in your body. So, hormone replacement therapy can be conducted at many different types of doctors’ offices. General care physicians, urologists, internists, and gynecologists can all prescribe hormone replacement therapy.

When you’re choosing a clinic, selecting the one that’s “safe” can be done in the same way you would select any other doctor. Board certifications, experience, types of insurance it accepts (or doesn’t), customer reviews and overall transparency and empathy are typically indicators that separate the “good” clinics from the not-so-great ones.

Hormone Treatment You Can Trust

So, can you trust hormone replacement clinics? Is hormone replacement therapy safe? Ultimately, you have the final say, and it’s best to consult with a doctor before coming to your decision.

Each body is different. What may work in a miracle-like way for one person can have negative effects on another.

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