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Hormone Imbalance in Women

Hormone imbalance in women is increasingly common, leading to a range of concerning symptoms that can impact physical and mental health. Hormones are chemical messengers produced by various glands and tissues. They are responsible for transmitting instructions through the bloodstream to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues to regulate body functions.

There are numerous widespread misconceptions regarding hormone imbalance in women. Some of these misconceptions include the belief that hormonal imbalances and related issues only occur during menopause, the assumption that symptoms are solely attributed to natural changes and can only be endured, and the notion that available treatment for hormonal imbalance options are hazardous and untested.

The good news is that none of those claims are accurate! Hormone imbalances in women can actually happen at any age, not just during menopause. While hormone levels naturally fluctuate as we get older, there are lots of treatment for hormonal imbalance options to alleviate or eliminate its symptoms. If left untreated, these imbalances can pose significant problems, especially for women.

Recognizing hormonal imbalance can be challenging for many women as the signs can be subtle, especially if they are not pregnant, in the postpartum phase, or going through menopause. Here at NOVA Pain & Rehab Center, we offer a comprehensive wellness package exclusively designed to assist women in addressing hormonal imbalances and the accompanying difficulties. We achieve this by creating a personalized treatment plan so you can get back to living your life symptom-free again.

Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Women

A lot of times, the signs of hormonal imbalance in women can be pretty subtle. They may come and go, making it tough to pinpoint them on your own. However, you have a good sense of your own body and can usually tell when something’s not quite right. So, if you have a hunch that a hormone imbalance could be causing the trouble, it’s definitely a good idea to reach out to a qualified medical practitioner for their opinion and get some testing done to get a clearer picture.

The symptoms below are often strong indicators of an underlying hormone imbalance in women. When these signs manifest, it’s important to initiate a conversation with a knowledgeable hormone therapy practitioner who can provide guidance and support in addressing the imbalance and finding effective solutions.

Irregular periods

Typically, most women experience their menstrual cycle every 21 to 35 days. If your period doesn’t occur consistently around the same time each month or if you occasionally skip a month, it could be a sign of a hormone imbalance. It’s possible that you have an excess or deficiency of estrogen or progesterone. If you’re in your 40s or early 50s, you may be going through perimenopause, which can also cause irregular periods. However, irregular periods can sometimes indicate a health condition such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. While there are many potential contributing factors, learning more about how to cure hormonal imbalance in mensuration could provide solutions for women suffering from difficult monthly cycles.

Weight gain

Hormone imbalances can contribute to weight gain. When estrogen levels decline, it can result in increased appetite levels. Additionally, the hormone leptin, which plays a role in regulating food intake and satiety, can be influenced by factors like stress or changes in the body. Furthermore, hormone imbalances can affect your metabolism, making it more challenging to shed pounds even when you’re engaging in regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. It’s important to recognize the role hormones play in weight management and seek appropriate support and guidance to address any imbalances and work towards achieving a healthy weight.

Loss of libido

While it’s commonly believed that testosterone is solely a male hormone, the reality is that women have it too, and low testosterone levels can result in a reduced sex drive. Additionally, low estrogen levels can lead to vaginal dryness or irritation, further hindering the mood for intimacy. Female sexual desire is influenced by various factors, and hormone levels undeniably play a significant role in this aspect. It’s important to recognize the impact of hormones on sexual desire and seek appropriate guidance to address any imbalances that may be affecting your intimate life.

Trouble sleeping

Experiencing difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or achieving restful sleep can be incredibly frustrating. The resulting fatigue not only impacts your daily life but also has long-term consequences for your overall health. The hormone progesterone, released by the ovaries, plays a crucial role in promoting sleep, and decreased levels of progesterone can disrupt your sleep patterns. Similarly, lower levels of estrogen can contribute to uncomfortable symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, both of which make it more challenging to attain restful sleep. It’s important to recognize the influence of hormones on sleep quality and seek appropriate support to address any imbalances, ensuring you can enjoy restorative sleep for improved well-being.

Mood swings

Hormonal imbalance can also influence your mental well-being and mood. Declines in hormones such as estrogen or rapid fluctuations in their levels can give rise to mild to severe mood swings. Additionally, changes in mood, such as heightened anxiety or symptoms of depression, may be experienced. It is common for many women to be unaware that these mood shifts and swings are attributable to a treatable hormone condition. However, it’s important to know that there are safe and effective treatment options available for hormone imbalance in women that address these concerns and restore balance.

Other Signs of Hormone Imbalance in Women

Each person’s body is different – you may experience all of the above symptoms or none at all. While the symptoms mentioned above are prevalent, it’s important to remember that there are numerous other signs that can indicate a hormone imbalance, occurring either regularly or sporadically. Be mindful of the following symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women.

  • Brain fog 
  • Low energy  
  • Depression 
  • Irritability  
  • Increased sensitivity to heat or cold 
  • Dry skin  
  • Puffy face  
  • Anxiety 
  • Increased hunger 
  • Acne  
  • Headaches  
  • Hair loss

HRT for Women

If you’re currently experiencing one or more symptoms associated with hormone imbalances in women, you understand the significant impact they can have on your overall quality of life and well-being. However, there is hope on the horizon – you don’t have to live in pain or discomfort. With hormone replacement therapy (HRT), you can effectively and safely restore hormonal balance and function within your body.

Choosing the right HRT provider is essential for achieving success in your journey – you’ll need to work with a team of hormone specialist that possesses extensive expertise in the field of female hormones, understands your unique challenges, and can offer a customized solution tailored to your body and lifestyle.

How to Treat Hormonal Imbalance

Here at NOVA Pain & Rehab Center, we excel in providing exactly that. Our personalized treatment plans include comprehensive testing to identify the root cause of your symptoms, a thorough analysis of all your hormone levels, and a comprehensive action plan designed to restore balance through HRT and implement beneficial lifestyle changes, ultimately leading you to complete wellness.

Our continuous care approach is essential for achieving long-term hormonal balance and overall well-being.

Schedule Your Consultation

 


Or Take the Step…

Fill out the forms below – FOR WOMEN ONLY – and our office will reach out to you for an appointment.

FORM #1 - INFORMED CONSENT FOR HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY

There are three forms to complete for HRT.  Please review and complete each form.

Purpose of Treatment

The purpose of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is to restore hormone levels that naturally decline with age or as a result of certain medical conditions. This therapy uses hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by the human body. The goal is to improve quality of life, alleviate symptoms related to hormone imbalance, and support long-term health and well-being. BHRT is intended to bring hormone levels into optimal balance rather than merely within the “normal” laboratory range.

Nature of the Treatment

HRT involves the use of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, thyroid hormones, pregnenolone, and melatonin. These hormones may be administered in various forms including creams, gels, oral capsules, troches, injections, or pellets. Each treatment plan is individualized based on your medical history, physical examination, symptoms, and laboratory testing. Doses are adjusted over time in response to your clinical progress and repeat laboratory results. Because every person’s hormonal needs are unique, ongoing adjustments
are an expected part of treatment.

Potential Benefits

The potential benefits of HRT may include increased energy, improved mood, enhanced cognitive function, restored libido and sexual function, better sleep quality, improved muscle tone and bone density, and more effective weight management.  Many patients also experience relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and other symtoms associated with menopause or andropause.  Results vary between individuals, and it may take several month for hormone levels to stabilize and for full beneits to be realized.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Although hormones are designed to mimic natural human hormones, all hormone therapies carry some degree of risk.  Possible side effects may include breast tenderness, bloating, fluid retention, headaches, mood changes, irritability, acne, hair changes, alterations in libido, and irregular bleeding or spotting.  In men, testosterone therapy may contribute to enlargement of prostate tissue.  There is also the potential for increased risk of blood clots, stroke, cardiovascular events, or hormone-sensitive cancers.  It is important that you immediately report any unusual symptoms or adverse affects to your provider so thay appropriate adjustments can be made.

Contraindications

HRT may not be appropriate for everyone. Individuals with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, active liver disease, unexplained vaginal bleeding, a history of blood clots or stroke, or uncontrolled cardiovascular disease may not be suitable candidates for hormone replacement therapy. Your medical history and laboratory results will be reviewed in detail prior to beginning treatment to determine if HRT is appropriate for you.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Careful monitoring is essential to ensure the safety abd effectiveness of HRT.  You agree to complete all baseline and follow-up laboratory testing as recommended by your provider. Follow-up appointments are generally scheduled every eight to twelve weeks during the initial adjustment period and then every three to six months once hormone levels are stabilized. You agree to inform your provider promptly of any new medical diagnoses, medications, or changes in symptoms. Failure to comply with recommended follow-up visits and lab testing may result in discontinuation of therapy for your safety.

Alternative Treatments

Alternative to HRT include conventional hormone replacement therapy using synthetic hormones, non-hormonal prescriptions, and lifestyle-based interventions such as dietary modification, exercise, stress management, and nutritional supplimentation.  You may also choose to decline any form of hormone therapy.  Your provider can discuss the risks and benefits of each alternative to help you make an informed decision about your care.

No Guarentee of Results

While many patients report significant improvement in their symptoms and overall well-being, HRT outcomes cannot be guarenteed.  Every individual responds differently to hormone therapy, and results depend on numerous factors including adherence to the treatment plan, underlying health conditions, and lifestyle habits.  The goal of therapy is optimization of your hormonal balance, not perfection or the elimination of all symptoms.

Pharmacy Disclosure

Some hormone formulations are compounded by licensed compounding pharmacies that meet all state and federal quality standards.  These compounded preparations are custom-tailored to your individual prescription and may not be FDA-approved as final products, although the active ingredients used are FDA-regulated for safety and purity.  You may discuss pharmacy options and preferences with your provider at any time.

Patient Acknowledgement and Consent

By signing below, I confirm that I have read and fully understand the information provided in this consent form.  I have had a the opportunity to ask questions and HRT, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, as all of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction.  I understand that HRT is an elective treatment and that no guarentees have been made regarding its outcome.  I consent to begin or continue Hormone Replacement Therapy under the care and supervision of my provider.  I agree to comply with all recommended laboratory testing, follow-up visits, and communication requirements as partof my ongoing care.

FORM #2 - Hormone Replacement Therapy Questionnaire

Address

Health and Background Information

Gender:
Female
Have you been diagnosed with endocrine tumors (MEN 2) or if someone in your family had these tumors?
Have you been diagnosed with thyroid cancer or if someone in your family had thyroid cancer?
Selected Value: 1
Have you tried HRT in the past?
Are you OK with injecting yourself using the medication?

FORM #3 - Questionnaire About Symptoms Of Estrogen Deficiency

You have vaginal dryness
You have more wrinkles than the average person your age
You notice a decrease in breat size
You have droopy and asgging breasts
You have hot flashes or night sweats
You have osteopenia or osteoporosis
Your painful intercourse
You are moody and irritable
You have decreased sex drive
You have decreased memory
You have frequent urinary tract infections
Your menstrual periods are irregular

Less than 6 points - it is not likely that you have estrogen deficiency

7-16 points - mild estrogen deficiency

17-26 points - moderate estrogen deficiency

Above 27 points - severe estrogen deficiency