How Hormone Replacement Therapy May Relieve and Slow the Progression of Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a pain. Literally. And this joint pain affects large numbers of menopausal and post-menopausal women. Yet there is hope for relief.
One study noted that after women received Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), specifically estrogen replacement therapy, their joint pain went down. Plus, these women had lower rates of knee and hip replacement compared to those taking a placebo.
And a 2019 Korean study published in the North American Menopause Society Journal produced some encouraging results of HRT on knee and hip osteoarthritis. Those in the study who received HRT for a year or more had 30% lower rates of arthritis than those who didn’t take hormones. The study also noted that hormone therapy might reduce the deterioration of the cartilage in these areas.
This information comes as no surprise to the providers at Dynamic Life Health Center. We see the results of our Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) every day.
By balancing hormones and replacing depleted hormone levels, we can optimize your health and treat the negative effects of aging — including osteoarthritis!
Learn How We Can Get Your Hormones in Balance and Improve Your Quality of Life.
Call us at 817-539-6168
Osteoarthritis and Hormones
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of your joints wears away. When this happens, the “cushion” of that cartilage is no longer protecting your bones, which start to grind against one another. This can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Approximately 32 million people suffer from osteoarthritis, and it’s more common for women than men after age 45. Because it affects so many postmenopausal women, medical researchers have looked into how declining hormone levels may affect osteoporosis.
Estrogen has been shown to increase the production of collagen, a key component of cartilage. It can also decrease the production of enzymes that break down cartilage. Estrogen may also have an anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reduce joint inflammation and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
Progesterone is thought to affect bone metabolism, and it may also have a protective effect on cartilage. Some studies have suggested that women who take HRT, which includes both estrogen and progesterone, may have a lower risk of osteoarthritis than those who take estrogen alone.
Testosterone, which is typically thought of as a male hormone, may also play a role in osteoarthritis. Some studies have suggested that low testosterone levels in men may be associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees. Testosterone may influence bone density and metabolism, and it may also affect cartilage metabolism.
How Can BHRT Slow the Progression of Osteoarthritis?
As you have read, hormones can have a tremendous effect on your bones and joints. A few ways BHRT can help ease osteoarthritis and slow its progression include:
- Strengthening cartilage, which can help prevent wear and tear on your joints
- Reducing inflammation, which can reduce swelling and pain
- Improving sleep and increasing energy, which can make it easier to exercise and keep weight in a healthy range (a risk factor for osteoarthritis)
While these are just a few benefits of hormone replacement therapy, they are some of the most important for osteoarthritis relief.
Micronutrient Testing
Besides replacing depleted hormones, you can reduce your risk of developing joint problems by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising daily, and ensuring you have the right nutrients in your diet.
And even if you eat well and stay active, you may still have nutrient deficiencies. Your unique biochemistry, illness, age, stress, and many more things can contribute.
To help determine exactly what nutrients your body is lacking, we offer Micronutrient Testing. This testing provides a comprehensive assessment of the levels of the most important vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fatty acids, and amino acids.
We can perform micronutrient testing along with hormone testing. And we offer this test to all patients as one of the first steps to determining the root causes of illness and hormonal imbalance.
The Providers at Dynamic Life Health Center are Here to Help You!
Imbalanced hormones can cause you to experience a variety of symptoms — including osteoarthritis pain, swelling, and stiffness. As you age, you may consider this to be your new “normal.” But it doesn’t have to be!
Our program includes comprehensive testing to identify your imbalances or deficiencies. Then we can prescribe a treatment protocol to restore both your health and your vitality.
Please note that both Dr. Berutti and her Physician Assistant, Melanie Martin, only prescribe bioidentical hormones. If you prefer the convenience of hormone pellets, we offer those. And if you do not wish to have your hormones administered via pellets, there are a variety of other options available to you.
Our providers and staff go the extra mile to provide you with quality health care in a compassionate environment. Our mission is to spend the extra time with you to get to know YOU and your specific needs and get you feeling your best while keeping you as healthy as possible!
Contact our New Patient Coordinator for More Information
When many patients come to see us, they have lost hope because they’ve felt unwell for so long and don’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. It’s rewarding as practitioners to help so many people realize a much-improved quality of life and a regained sense of vitality!
Please call us to get more information about how our clinic and Dr. Berutti or Melanie Martin, PA, can help you with your health goals and schedule an appointment.
We look forward to the opportunity to restore your health and regain your vitality for life!
For More Information, Call Us at 817-539-6168
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