Heavy or Irregular Periods? It Could Be a Hormonal Imbalance

by Elizabeth Garcia | Apr 26, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

When it comes to your period, occasional irregularity isn’t unusual. But if your periods have become consistently heavier, unpredictable, or are accompanied by other worrisome changes, it might be more than normal fluctuation. These shifts could signal a hormonal imbalance, something women of any age can experience.

Women’s hormone care affects your overall health and well-being, not just your cycle. If you’re concerned about your periods, it’s important to understand what might be going on. HerKare is a resource for reliable women’s hormone care and treatment, and we can check your estrogen and progesterone levels to see if something might be out of balance. Schedule an initial appointment to find out how we can help.

How Does a Hormone Imbalance Affect Your Cycle?

Women’s hormone care helps your body get back into a regular rhythm.

Think of hormones as your body’s chemical messengers. They travel through your bloodstream, instructing different organs and systems on what to do. Specifically, your menstrual cycle is orchestrated mainly by estrogen and progesterone.

Estrogen thickens the lining of your uterus in preparation for a potential pregnancy. After ovulation, progesterone takes over, keeping that lining ready. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, both hormone levels drop, signaling your body to shed the uterine lining – and that’s your period.

When estrogen or progesterone levels become too high or too low, this intricate process gets thrown off balance. This can result in unusually heavy periods, skipped periods, unpredictable cycle lengths, and other changes to your usual menstrual pattern.

Underlying Causes of Hormonal Imbalances

Several health conditions can disrupt the careful balance of hormones that control your cycle.  Let’s look at some of the most common culprits:

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder that involves an overproduction of androgens (“male” hormones), which women naturally produce in small amounts. This imbalance can prevent regular ovulation, leading to irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne.

Thyroid Issues: Your thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, plays a vital role in regulating many hormone-dependent bodily functions. Both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) can throw off your hormone levels.

Perimenopause and Menopause:  Perimenopause is the transitional stage before menopause, when your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. This natural decline causes fluctuations that often show up as unpredictable periods – shorter or longer, heavier or lighter than what’s normal for you. Menopause, officially occurring after 12 months without a period, marks the end of your reproductive years.

Other Health or External Causes: Extreme stress, significant weight gain or loss, and certain medications can also interfere with your normal hormone production.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

It’s tempting to dismiss the occasional irregular period as “no big deal.” However, if you experience any of the following, it’s definitely time to schedule an appointment:

• Persistence: Your periods are irregular for several cycles in a row.
• Heavy Bleeding: Soaking through a pad or tampon every hour or so, or passing large blood clots.
• Extreme Cycle Changes: Your periods suddenly become much shorter (less than 21 days between starts) or longer (over 35 days apart).
• Bleeding Between Periods: Spotting or breakthrough bleeding between your expected periods.

Seeking a women’s hormone care diagnosis is crucial because the right treatment depends entirely on what’s causing your hormonal imbalance.

Other Signs of a Hormonal Imbalance – Women’s Hormone Care

While there are many potential causes for irregular periods, pay close attention if your cycle changes are accompanied by other signs of a hormonal shift. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Noticeable shifts in mood, irritability, or anxiety 
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
• Acne and breakouts
• Decreased sex drive

Remember, these symptoms can have many causes, so it’s crucial to consult your medical provider to uncover the root of the problem. 

Treatment Options to Restore Hormonal Balance

The best treatment for you depends on the specific cause of your hormonal imbalance, your age, and your overall health. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be particularly helpful in managing irregular or heavy periods caused by health-related hormonal deficiencies, or during the hormone fluctuations experienced during perimenopause or menopause.  

HRT works by replacing the declining levels of estrogen and/or progesterone, helping to stabilize them and bring your cycle back into balance. These bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and chemically altered to be molecularly identical to the hormones your body produces naturally. 

In addition to hormone replacement, supporting your body through healthy habits can significantly enhance the benefits of treatment.  This includes nourishing your body with whole foods, finding healthy ways to cope with stress, and aiming for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. 

Trusted Women’s Hormone Care – HerKare

Irregular or unusually heavy periods can be a sign that your hormones are out of sync.  Understanding the potential causes and knowing when to seek help is an important step in taking control of your health. A personalized approach can make all the difference, addressing not only your period problems but also any other related symptoms you’re experiencing.

If you suspect your hormones might be behind your irregular periods, HerKare is here to help. Our team specializes in women’s hormone care and individualized hormone replacement therapy. 

We offer comprehensive consultations, personalized treatment plans, and ongoing support to help you understand your body and find the solutions that bring you lasting relief. Book an appointment with us now to get started.

Weight Gain Around Your Waist Could Be a Hormonal Imbalance

by Elizabeth Garcia | Apr 16, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

Unexpected weight gain may be due to low estrogen levels, but they can be restored with hormone therapy.

Have you found yourself gaining extra weight, even though you’ve been active and eating well? Weight gain, especially around your waist, can be disheartening and frustrating. The answer could lie in your hormones, and hormone therapy could be the solution. 

Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your metabolism and weight. A decline in estrogen levels can cause a shift in fat distribution in your body. This often leads to increased weight gain particularly around your waist.

If you’re struggling with this, you’re not alone. Our team at HerKare is here to help you understand the potential hormonal causes behind your weight gain and explore solutions to reclaim your confidence and well-being. This could include hormone therapy, a custom weight loss program, or both. Book an appointment to assess your hormone levels and get started.

Imbalanced Hormones Can Lead to Weight Gain – Hormone Therapy

Our bodies rely on a complex mixture of hormones to function properly. These chemical messengers significantly impact how we process food, store energy, and feel hunger. When these hormones are balanced, our weight stays relatively stable. 

However, imbalances can quickly disrupt this delicate system, leading to excess weight that then requires significant time and effort on your part to lose. This can feel extremely frustrating if you already have an active, healthy lifestyle, yet find that your clothes aren’t fitting you as well as they should. Thus, understanding how hormones influence your body’s weight management is crucial, especially if you have begun to experience unexplained weight gain.

Estrogen

Estrogen plays a crucial role in female fat distribution, typically encouraging fat storage in the hips and thighs. When estrogen levels decline, this pattern can shift. Reduced estrogen signaling can lead to increased fat accumulation around your abdomen, resulting in a thicker waistline, even if your overall weight remains the same.

Cortisol

Known as the stress hormone, cortisol is essential for survival, but chronic stress keeps it constantly elevated.  High cortisol not only increases appetite and cravings for sugary, fatty foods but also directly signals your body to store fat preferentially in the abdominal area. This contributes to the classic “apple” shaped body type.

Thyroid

Your thyroid acts like your body’s internal thermostat, regulating metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid becomes underactive, producing too few thyroid hormones. This slowdown in metabolism can make weight loss difficult and contribute to weight gain, often despite no changes in diet or exercise.

Leptin and Ghrelin

Leptin is produced by fat cells, and signals to the brain that you’re full and can stop eating. Ghrelin, made primarily in the stomach, does the opposite, increasing your appetite. Imbalances in these hormones can disrupt your natural hunger cues. For example, consistently elevated ghrelin can lead to increased appetite and potential overeating, while issues with leptin signaling can make it difficult to feel satisfied after meals.

Insulin

Produced by the pancreas, insulin is a critical hormone that helps your cells absorb glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream for energy. When insulin function is disrupted, this sugar remains in the blood and can be converted to and stored as fat. Additionally, insulin itself can promote fat storage, particularly around the abdominal area.

Low Estrogen Can Affect Women of Every Age

Low estrogen does not just affect older women. While menopause is the most common cause of low estrogen, this hormonal imbalance can impact women of any age. Hormone therapy is an effective solution that can help you restore your balance.

If you’re experiencing symptoms that might suggest low estrogen, simple blood work is all it takes to get your hormone levels properly assessed. If your estrogen levels are low, you may be experiencing symptoms such as:

• Irregular or absent periods
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
• Fatigue or sleep problems
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Changes in sex drive
• Vaginal dryness
• Bone loss (osteoporosis)

What Causes Low Estrogen in Women?

One of the most common causes is menopause, where the ovaries naturally decrease estrogen production as a woman ages. This transition can begin years before your final period, during a phase known as perimenopause. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid 30s, though most women begin to experience it in their mid to late 40s.

However, low estrogen isn’t limited to menopause. Extreme dieting, excessive exercise, and eating disorders like anorexia can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, including estrogen levels. Certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can damage the ovaries and lead to low estrogen. 

Your hormones can also be affected by interaction with common endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as phthalates, which are found in plastics like food containers and children’s toys; Bisphenol A (BPA), which is used in the lining of some food and beverage cans and in plastic bottles; and parabens, which are preservatives widely used in cosmetics, shampoos, and lotions.

Hormone Therapy and Weight Loss Solutions – HerKare

Unexplained weight gain around your waist, along with other changes in your body, could signify an underlying hormonal imbalance. Ignoring these signs could worsen the problem and lead to increased health risks over time.

We understand the frustration you are feeling, and we are here to help. We offer targeted hormone therapy to restore your body’s balance and address the root cause of your symptoms. Additionally, we develop personalized weight loss treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and hormonal profile. Schedule a consultation to investigate the underlying causes of your weight gain and find solutions for a healthier, happier you.

Progesterone vs. Estrogen Hormones – What’s the Difference?

by Elizabeth Garcia | Apr 2, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

Hormonal imbalances can disrupt your life, impacting your mood, energy, and overall well-being. If you’re struggling with unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings, it’s worth exploring whether your hormones are out of sync, requiring hormone replacement treatment. 

Two of your primary hormones that can easily become imbalanced are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries. It plays a significant role in female development and various bodily processes. Progesterone is another essential hormone produced mainly in the ovaries, with smaller amounts created by the adrenal glands. Like estrogen, it impacts a wide range of functions within your body.

When your hormones fluctuate or fall out of their optimal ranges, daily life can feel like an uphill battle. You don’t have to struggle alone. At HerKare, we understand the impact of hormonal imbalances. We can assess your hormone levels and develop a personalized hormone replacement treatment plan to restore balance. Our goal is to help you reclaim your energy, your mood, and feel like yourself again.

Key Functions of Your Hormones

Estrogen

Estrogen isn’t one single hormone. It is actually a group of closely-related hormones that can significantly impact your health, including estradiol, estrone, and estriol.  

Here are some of estrogen’s key roles in your body:

• Shaping the Female Form: Estrogen drives the development of female secondary sex characteristics during puberty, such as breasts and wider hips. These changes mark the transition to womanhood and prepare the body for potential pregnancy.
• Orchestrating the Menstrual Cycle: Estrogen plays a critical role in regulating the menstrual cycle and ovulation. It helps thicken the uterine lining to prepare for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, estrogen levels drop, triggering menstruation.
• Protecting Bones: Estrogen promotes bone health by helping the body effectively utilize calcium. When estrogen levels decline, such as after menopause, the risk of osteoporosis (bone weakening) increases.
• Influencing Mood and Brain Function:  Estrogen receptors are found throughout the brain, suggesting a role in mood and cognitive function. Fluctuations in estrogen levels can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and even depression in some women.

Progesterone

Progesterone has several essential functions:

• Pregnancy Support: Progesterone’s primary role is to prepare the uterus for a potential pregnancy. After ovulation, it thickens the uterine lining, creating a nourishing environment for a fertilized egg. If pregnancy occurs, progesterone levels remain high to support the developing pregnancy and prevent further ovulation.
• Menstrual Cycle Regulation: Progesterone works in tandem with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle. After ovulation, progesterone levels rise. If pregnancy doesn’t occur, progesterone levels drop, signaling the start of a new menstrual cycle.
• Mood Impacts: Like estrogen, progesterone influences neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood. Fluctuations in progesterone levels, particularly the decline before menstruation, can contribute to irritability, anxiety, and mood swings in some women.

Symptoms of Hormone Deficiency in Women

Hormone replacement treatment for estrogen or progesterone, or both, helps you feel like yourself again.

Both estrogen and progesterone deficiencies can lead to a range of disruptive symptoms, with some overlap between the two. You may have been experiencing these symptoms on and off for years, like irregular periods, mood swings, or unexplained fatigue. Perhaps you assumed these were all due to the stress of your daily life, but if they persist, it could be a sign of an underlying hormonal imbalance. In fact, many women live with hormone imbalances for years without realizing it.

Estrogen Deficiency:

• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Vaginal dryness
• Irregular periods or absent periods
• Mood swings, irritability, and brain fog
• Decreased bone density

Progesterone Deficiency:

• Irregular periods or spotting
• Difficulty getting or staying pregnant
• Mood changes, including anxiety and irritability
• Sleep disturbances

Irregular periods, mood swings, and irritability can be experienced with deficiencies in either estrogen or progesterone, which is why it’s crucial to get your hormone levels checked properly. That way, you’ll have an accurate diagnosis for hormone replacement treatment.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalances?

Hormone levels naturally fluctuate throughout a woman’s life, but some situations can cause a more significant decline. 

Birth control pills can suppress estrogen production. Additionally, conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt estrogen levels. Perimenopause (the years leading up to menopause) often triggers a decline in estrogen production, leading to symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods. Plus, menopause itself marks a significant decrease in estrogen.

Similar to estrogen, progesterone levels naturally decline during perimenopause and menopause. Additionally, some women experience a condition called luteal phase defect, where progesterone production specifically during the second half of the menstrual cycle is inadequate. Stress, eating disorders, and excessive exercise can all disrupt ovulation, leading to lower progesterone levels and potentially irregular periods.

Types of Hormone Replacement Treatment You May Need

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) offers a solution if you are struggling with the effects of hormonal imbalance. HRT aims to replenish declining hormones, helping to relieve a wide range of symptoms. 

Your treatment can include a bioidentical form of estrogen that closely resembles the estrogen produced naturally by your body. For women who still have a uterus, progesterone is usually included as well. This combination therapy is crucial because estrogen alone can increase the risk of endometrial cancer. Progesterone replacement helps counteract this risk by balancing estrogen’s effects on the uterus.

Personalized Hormone Replacement Treatment to Restore Balance

If you’re experiencing symptoms that suggest hormonal imbalance, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. We understand the complexities of women’s health and can guide you through the process. Our healthcare team can assess your hormone levels, discuss your individual needs, and design a customized hormone replacement treatment plan for you. Remember, you deserve to feel your best, and with the right approach, you can achieve hormonal balance and reclaim your well-being.

Low Estrogen: Managing Hot Flashes and Night Sweats

by Elizabeth Garcia | Mar 8, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy

It’s common during perimenopause and menopause to experience sudden bursts of heat called hot flashes. This happens because your body’s natural temperature control system is adjusting to lower hormone levels, especially low estrogen. While these aren’t dangerous, they can be disruptive and uncomfortable. 

Know that you’re not alone – many women experience this, and there are ways to manage these symptoms and feel your best. At HerKare, we offer easy, effective Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to restore low estrogen and help you regain control of your comfort. Schedule an appointment with us now to get your hormone levels checked.

Hot Flashes Can Disrupt Your Quality of Life

Hot flashes and night sweats are common during perimenopause and menopause and can be a real rollercoaster ride. The severity and frequency of hot flashes and night sweats vary from woman to woman. Some might experience them occasionally, while others face them constantly. The intensity can also differ, with some feeling a mild flush and others experiencing intense heat waves accompanied by sweating, heart palpitations, and even chills.

If your hot flashes are fairly infrequent, you might just see them as a minor annoyance that causes momentary discomfort. However, if you are experiencing them all the time, you undoubtedly find that they are significantly disruptive to your daily activities, impacting work, social interactions, and even sleep. Night sweats can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating throughout the day.

What might be manageable for one woman can be incredibly challenging for another. That’s why it is essential to find strategies that best manage and minimize this frustrating and unpredictable effect of low estrogen.

How Low Estrogen Affects Temperature Regulation

Restoring low estrogen can reduce hot flashes so you feel more comfortable.

Estrogen plays a role in regulating your internal thermostat, a part of your brain called the hypothalamus. When estrogen levels fall, the hypothalamus can get confused. Imagine it like a faulty thermostat in your house. It might suddenly sense your body is too hot, even when it’s not. This triggers the body’s cooling system.

The first thing the hypothalamus does is to send signals to your blood vessels to dilate, allowing for increased blood flow throughout your body. As the blood flow increases to your skin, it creates a flushed appearance, often concentrated on the face, neck, and chest. 

The hypothalamus also stimulates your sweat glands. As sweat evaporates from your skin, it carries away heat, creating a cooling effect. This is why hot flashes are often accompanied by profuse sweating, particularly noticeable on the head, underarms, and back.

Although your body’s core temperature remains unchanged during a hot flash, the hypothalamus’s miscommunication can lead to a feeling of intense heat radiating from within, further contributing to your overall discomfort in the moment.

Other Symptoms of Low Estrogen

Hot flashes are a well-known symptom of low estrogen in women, but there are a lot of potential other symptoms you may be experiencing as well. This hormonal shift can also lead to a variety of other changes, including:

• Irregular periods or their absence: As estrogen levels decline, your menstrual cycle can become unpredictable or stop altogether.
• Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Reduced estrogen can thin and dry the vaginal tissues, leading to irritation and pain during intercourse.
• Mood swings and irritability: Estrogen plays a role in regulating brain chemicals like serotonin, which impacts mood. Fluctuations can lead to emotional ups and downs.
• Sleep disturbances: Hot flashes and night sweats can disrupt sleep, causing fatigue and impacting your daytime energy levels.
• Changes in bone density: Estrogen helps maintain strong bones. With lower levels, your risk of osteoporosis and fractures increases.

Remember, this is not an exhaustive list, and the experience varies for each woman. If you’re concerned about low estrogen symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider experienced in women’s hormone care.

HRT Can Help Reduce Low Estrogen Symptoms

HRT can be a helpful option for managing symptoms caused by low estrogen levels. It works by introducing additional estrogen, either alone or combined with progesterone, to help restore balance. HRT has significantly improved the quality of life for many women.

One of the biggest benefits of HRT is its ability to help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats. By replenishing your missing estrogen, HRT supports better regulation of the hypothalamus. This can prevent the miscommunication that triggers the exaggerated cooling response, ultimately leading to fewer and less disruptive hot flashes.

Support HRT with Lifestyle Choices

A holistic approach that combines HRT with other strategies can maximize its effectiveness and improve your overall well-being. These could include:

• Stress management: Chronic stress can worsen symptoms like hot flashes and sleep disturbances. Techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help you manage stress and find inner peace.
• Regular exercise: Aim for moderate exercise most days of the week. Exercise can improve mood, sleep quality, and overall health.
• Sleep hygiene: Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
• Dietary adjustments: Reducing spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol can help minimize hot flashes. Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Wear breathable clothing: Opt for natural fabrics like cotton and loose-fitting garments to stay cool and manage hot flashes.

In addition to these lifestyle modifications, consider exploring complementary therapies like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or acupuncture to help manage stress, enhance relaxation, and improve sleep quality. 

Remember, every woman’s experience is unique. We provide personalized guidance on combining HRT with these strategies, address any concerns you may have, and help you navigate this journey with care and support.

Restoring Hormonal Balance and Your Quality of Life

While hot flashes and night sweats can be disruptive, know that for most women, they typically become less frequent and intense over time. Embrace this period as an opportunity to prioritize your well-being. Explore options like HRT and embrace positive lifestyle changes. 

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our team at HerKare is here for you every step of the way. Explore our resources and connect with our team to discuss personalized solutions for your hormone health journey.