What is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy refers to treatment that replaces or supplements hormones when the body cannot produce adequate amounts. It can effectively alleviate unpleasant symptoms caused by hormonal deficits or imbalances.
Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by glands like the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. They travel through the bloodstream coordinating vital bodily functions like:
- Metabolism and temperature regulation
- Reproduction, growth, and development
- Mood, cognition, and behavior
- Sex drive, menstruation, and fertility
When hormonal levels deviate from healthy ranges, patients often develop bothersome signs and symptoms. Hormone therapy helps rebalance hormones to avoid complications.