Most people expect certain changes to occur as they age. Waking up feeling a bit stiffer after an unusually strenuous workout or noticing a slight dip in libido, for example, are common age-related changes for both men and women. But some people notice more significant symptoms as they age, which could be related to hormonal imbalances. If you’re experiencing symptoms, you may be asking at what age you can start hormone replacement therapy.
You’re probably not surprised to learn that there is no specific age when you can start HRT. However, you can maximize its effectiveness and minimize risks by strategically considering the timing of your treatment. Treating symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, and unexpected weight gain associated with hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone (low T) in men, can significantly enhance the quality of your life.
For some patients, hormonal changes occur earlier than expected, while others notice signs of menopause or andropause as they enter middle age. In either case, hormone replacement therapy can be a fantastic solution for restoring normal hormone levels and regaining control of your life.
Am I Too Young for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Even though many of the women and men we treat with hormone replacement therapy begin experiencing symptoms in their 50s, hormone levels typically begin decreasing much earlier. Some women, for example, go through a phase called perimenopause for as many as 10 years before actually reaching menopause. Perimenopause symptoms may include irregular periods, mood swings, sleeplessness, increased anxiety, and hot flashes—all of which can be treated with HRT.
For men, testosterone levels usually begin to drop gradually starting around age 30. Even though it often takes years to notice symptoms of low T, the decrease in testosterone levels may be steep enough for men in their 30s or early 40s that they lead to unwanted symptoms. For these patients, starting hormone replacement therapy at a relatively young age can help “get ahead” of worsening symptoms before they become more severe.
Can You Be Too Old for Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Some men and women believe they may be too old to start hormone replacement therapy. Women who are 60 or older can still benefit from HRT, but they should carefully consider their options and discuss their symptoms with their doctor before making a decision. Likewise, men in their 60s and 70s whose low testosterone levels are greatly reducing the quality of their lives can benefit from testosterone replacement therapy under the guidance of an experienced hormone specialist.
Some Common Questions About Starting HRT
Do I need a blood test for HRT?
Blood tests play an essential role in developing a customized HRT treatment plan. The results provide our medical providers with a baseline assessment of hormone levels, which helps determine the appropriate approach for your needs. After you start HRT, regular blood tests enable us to monitor your hormone levels and ensure the treatment is accomplishing the goal of maintaining hormone levels within an optimal range.
Conducting blood work also assures the safety of the therapy. This personalized approach gives you the most benefit from your therapy while minimizing potential side effects.
How do you take HRT?
There are multiple ways to deliver or take HRT. The choice of administration method depends on different factors, including personal preference and the recommendation of your provider. Self-injections, topical creams and patches, and slow-release pellets inserted just below the skin are among the options.
Different delivery methods produce results on various timetables. For example, if your concerns include low libido or reduced energy, testosterone injections produce results within the first 2 days. Creams and pellets, on the other hand, can take longer to produce results. We can adjust dosages for injections more often than pellets, which typically last about 3 months after insertion.
How old do you have to be to get HRT?
People at any age can start hormone replacement therapy if they’re diagnosed with a hormonal imbalance that will respond to treatment. For example, HRT can help someone in their 20s who has low testosterone levels. Testosterone levels typically decline gradually, starting at about age 30, and most male HRT patients are between ages 40 and 70.
Women typically start HRT around the time they start going through menopause (usually ages 45 to 55), but some women may start therapy earlier or later.
A customized HRT treatment plan that’s medically monitored provides significant benefits for both men and women of all ages if warranted. No matter your stage of life, deciding whether and when to start HRT is a serious decision—and it’s not one you have to make alone. If you want to learn if you’re ready for HRT request a consultation using the online form or call us at (225) 960-1580 to schedule an appointment. Or visit us at one of our locations in Baton Rouge, Metairie, Shreveport, Slidell, or Houma, LA.
Updated August 2024
Leave a Reply