Tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears. The underlying cause is not fully understood, but it is often associated with hearing loss or damage to the auditory system. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been explored as a potential treatment option for tinnitus in some people.
The theory behind using HRT for tinnitus
- Some research has found links between tinnitus and hormone changes or imbalances, such as:
- HRT may help regulate hormones and reduce symptoms like tinnitus that might be linked to hormone fluctuations
Types of hormones used
There are a few different types of hormones that have been studied for tinnitus treatment:
- Estrogen: Used for perimenopausal and postmenopausal women to help elevate declining estrogen levels
- Testosterone: Can be used for men or women with low testosterone to restore normal levels
- Progesterone: Sometimes combined with estrogen in HRT to help regulate menstruation and balance hormones
What the research says
Several small studies have looked at the effects of HRT on tinnitus:
- A (./pubmed/22781058) found that estrogen HRT improved tinnitus symptoms in postmenopausal women after 3 months of treatment.
- A study on testosterone HRT found that maintaining adequate testosterone levels helped relieve tinnitus symptoms in some middle-aged men.
- However, other studies have failed to demonstrate definitive improvement from HRT. More research is still needed.
Potential risks and side effects
- As with any medical treatment, there are risks associated with hormone therapy that should be considered before starting treatment. These risks depend on the specific hormones used, dose, and duration of treatment.
- Some potential side effects include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease for some forms of estrogen HRT. The risks can differ for bioidentical hormone therapy.
- Anyone considering HRT for tinnitus or other reasons should carefully weigh the potential risks versus benefits with their healthcare provider. Close medical supervision is recommended.
Balance & Renew Clinic
As an established
hormone therapy clinic with over 15 years of experience, Balance & Renew Clinic specializes in customized
bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Our compassionate doctors and staff work closely with each patient to develop an individualized hormone balance plan to help alleviate symptoms, including tinnitus, while minimizing risks.
We carry a wide range of
FDA-approved BHRT hormones to precisely match your hormonal needs and genetics. Plus, Balance & Renew Clinic offers
telehealth appointments for your convenience. Contact us today to see if our
hormone experts can help improve your tinnitus!
In summary:
- For some people, fluctuating or declining hormone levels may play a role in tinnitus symptoms
- Small studies show estrogen HRT can potentially improve tinnitus in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
- Testosterone therapy may help relieve tinnitus for those with low testosterone levels
- However, study results are mixed and more research is warranted
- Balance & Renew Clinic custom BHRT may aid in regulating hormones and diminishing tinnitus - schedule a consultation today
While not conclusively proven, there is some promising evidence that HRT could offer relief for bothersome tinnitus for some people. As with any medical therapy, careful consideration of benefits and risks is needed before pursuing hormone treatment. Evaluation by a specialist is recommended to determine if hormones could be an appropriate part of your individualized tinnitus management plan.