By Dr. Claudette Gbemudu-Jatto
For the past 30 years, there has been a lot of confusion about the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
Hormones are the messengers that control, balance and maintain the function of every cell in our bodies. They act as master regulators, guiding growth from birth to puberty and into adulthood. As we age, maintaining hormonal balance is essential for overall health and well-being.
Achieving and maintaining optimal health – and preventing premature, age-related diseases – requires more than just lifestyle changes like proper nutrition, exercise, stress management and quality sleep. While these factors are important, they may not be enough on their own.
We need to move beyond the outdated mindset that chronic conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, cardiovascular disease, declining mobility and cognitive decline are simply an inevitable part of aging. Many of these conditions are linked to hormonal changes and imbalances.
Hormones produced by the adrenal glands, sex glands, pituitary, hypothalamus and gastrointestinal systems play a key role in hair growth, skin health and overall wellness. Imbalances in these hormones can contribute to hair thinning, skin aging and other age-related issues.
This is why it’s important to explore bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Unlike traditional HRT, which often uses synthetic hormones, BHRT is designed to more closely match the body’s natural hormones. It offers a way to not only manage menopausal symptoms but also support long-term health and well-being.
I encourage everyone to learn more about BHRT as a proactive tool for optimizing health – not just as a treatment for menopause, but as a way to maintain vitality and wellness as we age.
Claudette Gbemudu-Jatto, M.D., F.A.C.P., is the owner of Jatto Internal Medicine & Wellness, 205 Forest Hills Drive, Suite 12, Harrisburg. An internist since 2000 in southcentral Pennsylvania, she is certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging/Regenerative Medicine, and she is certified in internal and lifestyle medicine. Contact her at www.jattointernalmed.com or (717) 553-2474.