A look at hormone therapy can lead to a better understanding for those about to begin a regime. There are many conditions requiring treatment. The most popular therapies are for menopausal women, and patients with thyroid disease.
Actually hormone therapy is much broader. It treats diseases such as intersex conditions, cancer, hormonal deficiency, and anti-aging. Although there are more, thousands of people suffer with these few conditions.
Klinefelter Syndrome or XXY Syndrome is an intersex condition. It is a common sex chromosome disorder in men. Reportedly 1 of every 650 males has the disorder and display conditions which manifest the extra chromosome. 1 out of every 500 men may also have the disorder but display no symptoms at all.
The physical appearances which display the effects of the disorder can be decreased facial hair, long legs, tall slender frame, and sometimes a shorter torso. Also noted is reduced fertility. This disease is irreversible. Often individuals desiring a more masculine appearance are given testosterone treatment.
Turner Syndrome is another intersex condition affecting females. In this condition there is an absence of all or part of the X chromosome. Physical characteristics are evident in females. They are short in stature, having low ears, low hairlines along with a webbed neck. Because this disease affects the ovaries, females do not menstruate and are sterile. Health concerns include, hypothyroidism, congenital heart disease, diabetes and vision problems. There is no cure but symptoms can be minimized through treatment with growth hormones and estrogen replacement.
An alternative to chemotherapy, cancer can be treated through the endocrine system with hormones, namely steroid hormones. These hormones have the ability to change the levels and activity of other hormones in the body. This stops the growth of cells or kills the cells. This treatment is generally used for both male and female when treating breast, endometrium, and prostate cancers.
A deficiency such as growth hormone deficiency is a condition affecting newborns and adults. In infants it manifests as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or micropenis (small penis). The result in later years for children is poor growth. While rare in adults, low body mass and poor bone densities are the most apparent symptoms. Other physical and psychological manifestations include depression, anxiety, and poor memory. Loss of strength, stamina, and musculature are also reported.
Treatment for children is discouraged if the child's levels appear normal without evidence of growth noticed. For those requiring treatment, daily injections of hormones are administered. To reduce patient anxiety there are needle free delivery systems. Patients are routinely tested every 3-6 months to monitor growth and adjust medication. In treating adults a small dose is given. Doses are dispensed once a week.
When the thyroid gland does not produce enough of its hormone to govern the body's use of energy it is called hypothyroidism. Left untreated, cholesterol levels can increase along with the risks for heart attack or stroke. Treatment requires synthetic thyroid medication usually Levothyroxine. Patients are monitored closely for proper dosage and level maintenance.
Hormone deficiency is a serious condition and patients must be tested regularly to maintain balance with natural levels. A look at hormone therapy with a primary care physician can be beneficial.
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