Hormone Replacement Therapy After a Stroke

A stroke can occur at any time – suddenly – without any advanced warning. Strokes are the third leading cause of death in females – especially in older age compared to males. Indeed, the prospect of experiencing a stroke is scary as it is a major contributor to disability. In this report, we look at the latest research on the use of hormone replacement therapy and risk of stroke. We will examine the most common types of HRT — progesterone, testosterone, and human growth hormone.

In addition to the use of HRT as a preventative measure, there is also the question of undergoing treatment following a stroke. Are there benefits of using hormone replacement therapy after stroke?

The scope of studies in the use of HRT following a stroke is still relatively small for some of the hormones listed. Most of the research to date has been on rodents. Comparisons between traumatic brain injury and ischemic stroke are frequent, even though they affect the brain in different ways.

Human Growth Hormone:

In an examination of human growth hormone replacement therapy and stroke, HGH use may provide benefits to patients with proper treatment. Growth hormone deficiency is a significant factor for many people following a stroke. In a 2018 study on mice, those that received HGH therapy following a stroke had better cognition and energy than those mice that received a placebo. HGH has neuroprotective benefits for the brain and promotes plasticity which can all help with the repairing of nerve damage, the formation of new blood vessels, and the reversal of apoptosis – early cellular death. More information about HGH therapy you can find on specializing clinic sites like hghtherapydoctor.us

Progesterone:

In clinical studies of progesterone use following TBI, the results are mixed – some showing no benefit while others do provide a positive outcome for improvement. While there is some belief that progesterone may have significant benefits for stroke, more research is necessary.

Testosterone:

There has been better research done regarding testosterone following a stroke. On a study of men with type 2 diabetes who experienced a non-fatal ischemic stroke, long-term (up to 5 years) testosterone use provided the following results:

  • Reduced risk of developing a second stroke
  • Decreased death risk associated with a second stroke
  • Increased muscle strength
  • Speeds up recovery
  • Reduced body weight
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Improved quality of life and decreased symptoms of depression
  • Reduced LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

These results are important because men who have type 2 diabetes have a four times higher risk of a stroke than non-diabetic men. Also, men who have experienced a stroke tend to have significantly lower levels of testosterone than those who have not had a stroke.