HORMONE THERAPY

HORMONES AND YOUR BODY

Hormones are chemical messengers that affect many body processes, such as metabolism, sexual function, reproduction, and mood. You can develop an imbalance due to natural hormonal transitions or certain medical conditions. This can lead to a variety of symptoms such as menstrual irregularities, skin changes, mood changes, sleep disturbances and weight fluctuations.

1. Hormonal Imbalance Menstrual Symptoms

• Irregular periods

• Heavy menstrual bleeding

• Bleeding between periods

• Missed periods

2. Hormonal Imbalance Skin and Hair Symptoms

• Acne, especially during adolescence, pregnancy,perimenopause, and menopause

• Dryer, thinner skin

• Rashes and easily irritated skin

• Thinning Hair

• Slow wound healing

3. Hormonal Imbalance Digestive Symptoms

• Bloating

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

Sex hormones help regulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Estrogen and progesterone in particular may influence IBS (Irritable Bowel Symptoms). GI symptom changes related to the menstrual cycle are common.

4. Hormonal Imbalance Mood Symptoms

When estrogen and testosterone levels drop during perimenopause, so do Serotonin levels.5 Serotonin is a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) that helps brain and nervous system cells communicate. 

• Nervousness

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Sadness

5. Hormonal Imbalance Weight Symptoms

Weight changes are sometimes the result of a hormonal imbalance. For example, hormone changes due to menopause or having too much or too little cortisol, can result in weight gain. Conditions such as hyperthyroidism can lead to weight loss.

6. Hormonal Imbalance Hair Symptoms

Hormones have a big impact on the hair growth cycle and hair thickness.  Anything that affects your hormone levels can affect your hair, causing:

• Unwanted facial hair, such as hair under your chin, along your jawline, or above your lip

• Thinning hair or hair loss

7. Hormonal Imbalance Sleep Symptoms

• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

• Poor sleep due to night sweats and hot flashes

• Insomnia

Poor sleep can make it 10 times more likely that you'll develop depression and significantly worsen your mood.

8. Hormonal Imbalance Sex Symptoms

Low sex drive (libido) can be a symptom of a hormonal imbalance.

Endocrine (hormonal) abnormalities are common in people with sexual dysfunction. Several hormones, primarily testosterone, can affect sex drive.  Estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone all help modulate sexual desire in females.

9. Hormonal Imbalance Fertility Symptoms

Ovulation depends on the timing of certain hormones, such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Infrequent or absent periods could mean that you're not ovulating.

Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms 

Hormones can get out of balance due to natural transitions in life, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Many medical conditions also affect hormones. That's why it's important to see us at Columbia Shores Regenerative Health to help you optimize your hormone health.  Your specific symptoms and clinical examination will determine the next steps.

How to Treat Hormonal Imbalance Symptoms 

Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis. 

At Columbia Shores Regenerative Health we tailor your treatments to you.  Our treatments range from hormonal therapies, bioidentical hormones, in office treatments and non-hormonal therapies.  We wish to maximize your potential to get the most joy out of your life. 

Summary 

Symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, menstrual irregularities, and skin problems may be related to hormonal imbalance. Natural changes, such as puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can cause dramatic hormonal changes, as can medical conditions, such as thyroid problems and PCOS.

Hormonal imbalance is treatable, so take the first step to improving your life and book a consultation today.