Hormone therapy involves supplementing hormones that are lacking or imbalanced in the body. It can provide relief from unpleasant symptoms and help people regain optimal hormone balance for improved health and wellbeing.
Common reasons for hormone imbalance include aging, stress, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and certain medical conditions. Symptoms range from fatigue, weight gain, low libido, and hot flashes to problems with cognition, mood, sleep, and more.
As we age, hormone levels naturally decrease due to changes in the endocrine system. Lifestyle factors like poor nutrition, inactivity, and chronic stress also negatively impact hormone production. Diseases affecting glands that secrete hormones can also result in imbalances.
Restoring balance through hormone therapy provides wide-ranging benefits:
- Alleviates unpleasant menopause and andropause symptoms - Regulates metabolism, promotes weight loss - Improves libido and sexual function - Increases energy levels and vitality - Enhances cognition, sharpness, and focus - Balances moods, reduces anxiety and irritability - Normalizes sleep cycles, reduces insomnia - Slows aging process, improves skin and hair health
Experiencing ongoing symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, low sex drive, or hot flashes may indicate a hormonal disorder. Getting the right diagnosis is key to successful treatment.
A health care provider will check key hormone levels using blood, saliva or urine tests. Hormones tested generally include:
Based on test results, customized treatment protocols can be created to restore optimal balance.
A physician will also thoroughly assess lifestyle and symptoms to determine if hormone issues could be the underlying cause. Tracking symptoms is helpful when starting treatment to gauge its effectiveness.
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as hormones made by the body. As a result, they are metabolized and utilized more efficiently.
There are two main types of bioidentical hormone therapy:
Supplementing estrogen and progesterone relieves perimenopause and menopause symptoms. Benefits include:
Testosterone therapy for men and women provides wide-ranging benefits:
After diagnosis, a physician creates a customized treatment plan which is continually adjusted based on follow-up testing and symptom tracking.
The standard process for initiating bioidentical hormone therapy is:
Adjustments to hormone doses or medications may be needed over time to keep levels balanced as the body changes with age.
Specially formulated hormone pellets are inserted under the skin every 3-6 months, continually releasing estrogen and progesterone. Pellets provide steady hormone levels compared to patches or pills.
Topical creams with customized hormone concentrations can restore balance when levels are very low. Creams are easy to adjust and avoid initial hormone spikes.
Thyroid medications, DHEA supplementation, and testosterone therapy may be incorporated depending on deficiencies identified through testing. Stress management counseling is often included.
Hormone therapy can help relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Interestingly, research shows it may also improve mood and thinking ability in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. The cognitive benefits seem greatest when hormone therapy is initiated early in menopause rather than years later.
While hormone therapy effectively alleviates deficiency symptoms, making positive lifestyle changes enhances results.
Chronic insomnia and sleep deprivation can worsen hormone imbalance. Getting 7-9 hours nightly, limiting electronics before bedtime, establishing a calming pre-sleep routine all encourage quality sleep.
Choosing more fresh fruits/vegetables, lean proteins, nuts/seeds, whole grains, beans, fish high in omega-3s while limiting sugar, alcohol and processed foods reduces inflammation underlying chronic diseases.
Regular exercise helps balance hormones naturally. A mix of aerobic activity, strength training and stretching for 30-60 minutes daily provides optimal benefits. Walking trails, workout classes and gyms abound in Roseville.
Chronic emotional stress raises cortisol exacerbating hormonal issues. Relaxation techniques like meditation, deep breathing, massage therapy, sound baths, floating pods and nature immersion Reverse damage done by ongoing “fight or flight”. Roseville’s serene parks, Buddhist centers and inviting cafes offer urban oases.
Restoring hormone balance through testing, expert diagnosis and customized treatments reclaims vibrancy, health and quality of life. Roseville’s inviting parks, trails and locally-sourced dining make embracing positive lifestyle changes during therapy a pleasure. With compassionate support each step of the way, the journey to optimal wellness begins.
