Instant gratification in health & wellness

With the advancements in technology over the past several decades, humans’ attention spans have become shorter and shorter. And with a shorter attention span comes more of a priority on instant gratification. 

Just think about it: we have hundreds of movies and tv shows at our fingertips through streaming services, we can pull out our smartphones and answer nearly any question in seconds, and restaurants pride themselves on the speed of delivering your food. 

And this craving for instant gratification doesn’t stop at our normal day-to-day. We also crave quick results from choices we make for our health and wellness, like dieting, exercise regimens, and wellness treatments.

One of the most frequently asked questions we get about hormone replacement therapy is an exact reflection of our instant gratification culture: how long does hormone replacement therapy take to work? Well, it depends on your dosage, the type of hormone, and the results you’re aiming to get.

What is hormone replacement therapy? 

As we age, our hormone levels – specifically estrogen and testosterone – decline because our endocrine system isn’t producing as much hormone at the same rate. This decline is inevitable, and with it can come some uncomfortable symptoms, including:

  • Mood swings
  • Hot flashes
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Infertility
  • Pain in the abdomen or back during menstruation
  • Low libido
  • Insomnia
  • Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
  • Brittle bones
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Loss of muscle mass
  • Hair thinning or reduced hair growth
  • Tenderness in the chest

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT for short) is mostly used to treat these symptoms caused by a hormone imbalance, and it does that by replenishing the hormones you’re missing in order to return your system to tip-top performance. HRT can be administered through oral supplements, creams, gels, and even injections, depending on the type and your lifestyle. 

Benefits of hormone therapy

Women and men sometimes see similar results from HRT, but there are some other benefits that are unique to each sex. 

For women, the key benefits of hormone replacement therapy are:

  • Less bone density loss
  • Fewer hot flashes
  • Improved vaginal dryness
  • More effective weight loss and muscle growth
  • Better sleep
  • Higher libido
  • Improved energy

For men, the key benefits are:

  • Improved energy
  • Higher libido
  • Increased bone density
  • Boosted hair growth

When will you start seeing results from HRT? 

With how great the results of HRT can be, it’s no wonder people are anxious to see results as quickly as possible when they start treatment, especially if HRT is being used to manage specific symptoms. 

The speed with which people see results from HRT largely depends on the person and how well they respond to treatment. It may also depend on the dosage and the type of hormone, which will be largely decided by your provider to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of treatment. 

In general, though, it can take anywhere from four to six months before HRT starts really working and results are noticeable. But, for those looking for quicker results, our team of Treatment Managers and Wellness Concierges work with our clients to create strategies that help them realize positive outcomes faster than traditional programs.

The important thing to remember when starting HRT is that every person is different, and consistency is key to seeing the results you’re looking for. As you’re going through the treatment process, make sure you’re communicating with your provider and voicing any concerns so they can try different dosages and hormone forms to find what works best for you.

If you’re suffering from the symptoms of menopause or a hormone imbalance, it may be time to explore hormone replacement therapy. Contact our team at 10X Health System to get started today. 

instagram facebook x tiktok linkedin youtube threads