by SXHH Marketing | Aug 4, 2023 | Hormone Replacement Therapy
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can seriously affect your hormones, requiring counteractive hormone care.
If you are one of the many women struggling with hormone imbalance, it may feel like your hormones are out of your control. But what if there was an invisible source influencing them— something in your environment? Our environment is filled with toxins that can harm our health, and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are among the most common. We come into contact with these chemicals daily, and they can have profound effects on our hormones, from increasing inflammation to negatively impacting reproductive health.
Today, we will look at several common EDCs and their toxic impact on hormonal health. By educating yourself and creating a plan to counteract these harmful effects, such as making lifestyle changes or undergoing hormone replacement therapy, you can help restore your hormonal balance and overall well-being. You can count on our team at HerKare for women’s hormone care that puts your health first. Contact us to schedule an appointment today.
You Are Surrounded by Toxins Every Day
EDCs are harmful substances that can be found in a lot of everyday products that we use such as medicines, cosmetics, and plastic food packaging. What’s frightening is that even small doses of these toxins can be extremely harmful to our bodies, often affecting us in ways that we cannot see or feel. Whether through the skin, digestive system, or respiratory system, these toxins have the ability to penetrate our bodies unnoticed. It is important to have a better understanding of the sources of toxins in our environment so you can understand what could be impacting your hormonal balance.
Many Toxins Disrupt Your Endocrine System and Hormones
We live in a world full of chemicals. Everything from the air we breathe to the food we eat is contaminated to some degree or another. While many of these substances are fairly harmless, there is a wide range of chemicals that can cause serious damage to our hormonal and endocrine systems, disrupting the way our bodies function on a fundamental level. The prevalence of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in our daily lives is startling. With over 800 products classified as EDCs, it’s become increasingly difficult to avoid exposure to these toxic substances.
From pesticides to everyday household products, we need to take action to protect our health from this threat, particularly when it comes to their impact on our hormones and reproductive systems. Bisphenol A (BPA), Phthalates, and Atrazine are just some of the commonly used chemicals that fall under this category, and their effects can be devastating.
- Bisphenol A (BPA): The production of BPA has steadily grown in recent years on account of its multiple applications in the plastic and manufacturing industries, such as food packaging. BPA is an endocrine disruptor that binds to estrogen receptors.
- Phthalates: This is a large group of chemical compounds frequently used in plastic coatings and cosmetics. These chemicals are banned in the EU but are legal in the US. They alter the development and function of the hormone-dependent structures of the reproductive system.
- Atrazine: This chemical is largely used in agriculture as a herbicide to reduce the growth of leaves and weeds in wheat, soy, and sugar cane. Atrazine alters how the central nervous system produces hormones.
EDCs are increasingly pervasive and can significantly impact endocrine processes, including hormone production and balance. As part of our hormone care, we should all educate ourselves on the harmful impact of EDCs and take steps to limit our exposure to them.
Women Exposed Regularly to EDCs Have a Higher Chance of Developing PCOS or Endometriosis
Recent studies have found that women who are regularly exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemical compounds may have an increased risk of developing hormonal disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.
PCOS is characterized by symptoms such as:
- Irregular periods
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Excess facial and body hair
- Severe acne
Endometriosis symptoms include:
- Severe cramping or lower back/abdominal pain during periods
- Heavy bleeding
- Fatigue
- Infertility
Because these conditions can be very difficult to manage, you should know about the potential risks associated with certain chemicals and take steps to minimize your exposure to them. By making informed choices about the daily products you use, you can reduce your risk of developing serious health problems.
Offsetting the Harmful Effects of Hormonal Disruption on Your Body
Women’s hormone care has become increasingly important due to the harmful effects of hormonal disruption caused by various environmental toxins. While it may seem overwhelming, there are several practical methods to offset these negative effects in your day to day life.
To start, you can restore your natural hormonal levels with Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) to help bring your body back into balance. Going forward, you can help support this balance in several ways. Reducing the use of plastic in your home is a simple yet effective way to limit your exposure to harmful BPA and phthalates. Choosing to purchase organic food can reduce your exposure to atrazine. You can also opt for natural personal care and cleaning products that are chemical-free. These changes will help you take control of your hormone care and promote a healthier, more balanced life.
Restore Balance with Women’s Hormone Care
If you are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, you can help protect your body with targeted women’s hormone care. Contact our team HerKare today to talk about how you can restore your natural hormone balance with HRT. When it comes to your health and well-being, there’s no substitute for feeling your best. We can help provide relief from symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances. Schedule an appointment today.
by SXHH Marketing | Jul 31, 2023 | Weight Loss
Everyone wants the quickest and most efficient way to reach their weight loss goals. Many supplements and diet pills claim to produce impressive weight loss results, but often at the expense of your overall health. Also, once you stop taking these pills, you tend to gain the weight back quickly.
Lipotropic and B12 injections can be a highly effective tool to help boost weight loss, helping you successfully lose weight in a healthy way. When used in combination with a healthy diet program, these injections allow your body to burn fat faster while supporting your overall health in the process.
In this article we will explore what lipotropic and B12 injections are, how they work, and why they might be worth incorporating in your overall weight loss program. Our team can create a customized weight loss program for you based on your current health and lifestyle so you can achieve your goals. If you want to boost your energy levels and lose extra weight, schedule a consultation with us today to get started on your weight loss journey!
What is the Difference Between Lipotropic and B12 Injections?
While lipotropic and B12 injections may seem similar, there are some key differences between the two. To determine which type of injection is right for you, be sure to speak with one of our providers.
Lipotropic injections contain a mixture of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that work together to break down more fat in the body. Some evidence also shows that these injections have the added benefit of promoting healthy gallbladder and liver functions. When your liver can dispose of toxins more efficiently, it can then use more of its energy to help eliminate fat from the body. So if you are searching for a safe and effective weight loss solution that also has added health benefits, lipotropic injections might be just what you need.
Your dosage will depend on your body weight, but usually falls between 750 to 1000 micrograms. Lipotropic injections include:
- B12 vitamin: Helps with fat metabolism in the body, and supports the healthy function of your heart, blood, brain, and nervous system.
- B Complex vitamins: Increases your energy and promotes fat metabolism.
- Methionine (essential amino acid): Builds protein and muscle in the body to help improve metabolism.
- Choline (esssential nutrient): Helps regulate your liver and lower its fat content.
- Insoitol (carbocyclic sugar): Supports insulin production in the body to regulate blood sugar, keeping metabolism steady.
On the other hand, B12 injections contain only vitamin B12, which plays a crucial role in energy production and can help alleviate symptoms of fatigue. The minimum daily intake of vitamin B12 recommended for the average adult woman is around 4 micrograms. With a typical vitamin B12 injection, your body gets a powerful boost of 1,000 micrograms of the vitamin. Many women report feeling a significant energy increase from this vitamin boost. Additionally, because it is a water soluble vitamin, B12 can be tolerated at these higher doses without adverse effects.
These Injections Start Working Immediately to Boost Your Metabolism
Because these vitamin compounds are injected directly into a muscle, they aren’t diluted in any way or slowed down by inefficient absorption. There is no acid degeneration or enzyme breakdown, meaning you will benefit from the full potency of this powerful vitamin. Injections are quick and easy, so you won’t have to worry about any significant discomfort during the process. They are usually administered in areas of the body with larger muscles, such as the buttocks, abdomen, and thighs.
Not only do these injections start working right away to give you a jumpstart on weight loss, but they also continue to work for up to a week, keeping your metabolism operating at peak efficiency. By committing to regular weekly injections, you will be giving your body the support it needs to effectively burn fat and see real, sustainable results.
Injections are Not a Miracle Solution for Losing Weight
Lipotropic and B12 injections help boost metabolism and energy, helping you effectively lose weight in a healthy way.
Injections can be a very effective way to promote weight loss, but it is important to recognize they can’t get you great results on their own. They are meant to provide a supporting hand as you take on consistent and committed efforts toward weight loss through a balanced diet plan and healthy lifestyle. When combined with these other weight loss elements, injections can help you reach your goal more efficiently.
A Healthy Diet Plan is Key to Your Weight Loss Success
The ideal diet plan for your body not only helps burn more fat but ensures that you’re getting the necessary nutrients for your overall health. When you pair this diet with weekly lipotropic or B12 injections, you can help kick your weight loss into high gear.
Diet plans we support that help you lose weight and stay healthy include:
- Keto Diet: a low-carb, high-fat diet that forces the body to use stored fat instead of carbohydrates or protein.
- Mediterranean Diet: a diet that emphasizes high fiber and protein so you feel full longer and eat less overall.
- South Beach Diet: a diet high in fiber and dense nutrients lowers cholesterol and blood sugar while reducing unhealthy fats and simple carbs.
- Intermittent Fasting: an eating pattern that makes your body tap into fat for energy throughout the day.
To and feel your best, start with a solid nutrition plan and stick to it. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference it can make.
We Take a Holistic Approach to Weight Loss
Weight loss is a journey unique to each woman. We have numerous methods available to women who want to lose weight, such as lipotropic and B12 injections, a healthy diet, weight loss medication, lifestyle changes, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We consider all aspects of your current health and lifestyle when developing your treatment plan. With the right combination of treatments, you will start to see real results, and with our ongoing support and guidance, you’ll be able to maintain your progress long-term.
We know that every patient is unique and has their own story to tell, which is why we prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment in which patients feel heard and understood. At the end of the day, our goal is to empower women to take control of their health and achieve weight loss the right way.
Personalized Weight Loss Solutions from HerKare
We understand that each woman’s healthcare needs are unique and require a personalized approach. We work with you to determine the underlying cause of your weight. Many women are surprised to find that weight gain may be caused by hormonal imbalances, which can be effectively addressed with HRT as part of your overall treatment plan.
You can feel confident that your personalized treatment plan is developed with your specific needs in mind. Get started on a successful weight loss journey today—contact our team now to schedule an appointment!
by SXHH Marketing | Jul 6, 2023 | Hormone Replacement Therapy
Experiencing a hormone imbalance can be difficult and frustrating. Hormone replacement therapy can help target unwanted symptoms. However, some treatment methods, like hormone pellets, may not deliver the results you need. In fact, they may even make the situation worse.
Hormone pellets are made up of a mix of hormones, which may or may not be the right dosage you need. The uncertainty of dosage could mean your symptoms don’t change, or even add new side effects to what you are already experiencing. Plus, since you only receive hormone pellets every three months, you may have to endure these symptoms for weeks before trying a new compound mix.
Summary
- Hormone pellets are a form of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy placed under the skin, but they carry specific risks such as infection, pellet extrusion, and uneven hormone release. Because pellets release hormones continuously, some women may experience higher than intended levels that can contribute to side effects.
- Common side effects of pellet hormone therapy can include hair loss, acne, mood changes, and headaches, which may result from inaccurate dosing or hormone sensitivity. Some women also report pain or irritation at the pellet insertion site.
- Once inserted, there is no adjusting the dose with hormone pellets. This means women are unable to stop or reduce hormone release if side effects occur. Regular monitoring of hormone levels and symptoms is important when using pellet therapy to avoid prolonged imbalances
- Because pellet implantation requires a minor surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection and pellet extrusion (the pellet working its way out of the skin). These complications can require additional medical attention and can increase recovery time.
Hormone Pellets Pose a Greater Risk Than You Realize
A common method of HRT is hormone pellets, which are tiny, rice-sized capsules containing a mix of hormones. These capsules are inserted under the skin through a surgical incision and slowly dissolve over the next 90 days, releasing the hormones into your body.
While the method may seem straightforward, it’s important for you to be aware that hormone pellets may actually pose a greater risk to your health than other forms of HRT. A recent study published in the Journal of the North American Menopause Society observed women who used hormone pellets. They were more likely to experience side effects like mood swings, anxiety, hair pattern change, acne, and weight gain.
You should consult with an experienced healthcare provider and carefully weigh the risks of hormone pellets before deciding on the best treatment for you.
Pellets Contain Unregulated Compounds of Hormones
Hormone pellets are made of a mix of hormones in varying doses, which means it’s very difficult to find the right amount for your body that will actually help improve your symptoms..
Hormone pellets contain a mix, or compound, of various hormones. The risk of a compounded hormone means that there are now multiple sources for adverse drug effects, making it difficult to identify which element in the compound was responsible for the reaction.
Hormone pellets are prepared by compounding pharmacies. These types of pharmacies are not the same as a pharmacy you would find in Walgreens or CVS. All drugs sold in these pharmacies must be approved and regulated by the FDA.
However, compounded drugs are not FDA-approved and have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. This means that the mix of hormones you are putting in your body hasn’t had to go through a rigorous review process. Sadly, there have been hundreds of cases of infection and dozens of death caused over the years by contaminated or poorly compounded drugs.
Compound Amounts May be Based on Inaccurate Testing
The main selling point for hormone pellets is that they have a custom compound of hormones specific to your body’s individual needs. They claim that it will provide the proper amount of hormones you need to rebalance your levels. The problem is, most of these “custom formulas” are based on a saliva test that you completed.
In recent years, many clinics have begun using saliva tests to check hormone levels, as it’s an easier and less costly procedure for them. However, a saliva test can’t be trusted when it comes to accurately determining hormone levels. Experts at the North American Menopause Society say that saliva tests have not yet been proven to be accurate or reliable. A blood test is still the best option for checking your hormone levels. Blood testing is an established, reliable process for measuring the amount of hormones in your body.
Every Woman’s Body Handles Medication Differently
Determining your required hormone dosage requires a precise calculation. For hormone pellets, this includes incorporating a calculation of your absorption and titration rates.
Absorption is the way the hormones are absorbed from the pellet into your bloodstream. Many factors can affect your absorption rate, such as
- Slow metabolism
- Poor sleep
- High blood pressure
- Stomach conditions
Titration is the process of adjusting the dose to find the ideal amount that maximizes benefits and minimizes adverse effects. Your titration starting point requires a close examination of multiple factors including:
- Age
- Weight
- Immune system
- Allergies
- Existing health conditions
- Current medications
- General biochemistry
What makes this a serious challenge is that absorption and titration are not a one-size-fits-all equation. Everyone’s body handles medication differently, making it nearly impossible to correctly calculate your dosage for each hormone. Add the concept of mixing multiple hormones into one pellet—a mix based on an unproven test—and the complexity escalates quickly.
Unfortunately, this means finding the right balance of hormones for you is almost impossible. With no way to test how individual mixes of hormones affects you, there is a high possibility that you will not receive the correct amounts of hormones. Too little, and your hormonal symptoms may remain unchanged. Too much, and you may experience new side effects on top of everything else.
One of the most significant issues with hormone pellets is their 90-day window, the length of time it takes for your body to completely absorb the pellets. If your dosage isn’t correct and you are suffering from ongoing symptoms or side effects, you have to wait three months before trying a new compound mixture. Consequently, achieving hormone balance with pellets can require months of trial and error.
Your Hormone Levels Fluctuate for Three Months After Treatment
After being treated with hormone pellets, you can expect fluctuations in your hormone levels over the next three months. Pellets release hormones gradually over time. This will cause initial spikes in hormone levels at the beginning, followed by a slow decline as the pellets are depleted. By the time you get to the end of the 90 days, your hormone levels may even drop below your baseline level.
This fluctuation can cause unpredictable symptom swings. You may find yourself feeling great one day and struggling with symptoms the next. After actively pursuing treatment to feel better, you may find yourself feeling even more frustrated than before you started.
Surgical Incisions Required for Hormone Pellets Could Develop Problems
One potential risk factor to note with hormone pellets is the surgical incision required. The incision is about 5 to 7 mm wide and 8 to 10 mm deep and is usually made on your upper hip or lower abdomen. The provider performing the incision uses a sharp blade to cut through your subcuticular tissue for the implant device, called a trocar. The incision must reach your subcutaneous fat layer under your skin in order to deposit the pellets in the correct area. If the pellets are deposited too close to the skin, it will cause increased discomfort for you. The trocar is then inserted approximately 4 cm into the fat layer and releases the pellets. The incision is then held closed with skin tape.
After the procedure, you will have limitations on your activities in order to prevent reopening the incision or exposing it to infection. You should not immerse the incision site in water such as hot tubs, bathtubs, or swimming pools for five days. It is recommended to avoid heavy exercise for at least three days.
The incision site may be swollen for around three days after the procedure. It can be uncomfortable for up to ten days and can take up to two weeks to fully heal. However, other health conditions and some types of medications, such as blood thinners and antibiotics, mean that it could take much longer to fully heal. During this time, you would need to continuously monitor and clean the incision to prevent an infection from developing, which would then require further treatment to manage before it gets worse.
Going through an invasive surgical incision procedure and risk of infection every three months is a serious downside to hormone pellets. Fortunately, there are other hormone replacement therapy methods that are much less intimidating.
Bioidentical Hormone Injections are Safe and Effective
Hormonal imbalances can be a hindrance to living a healthy, active life. Our bioidentical hormone injections are an effective option to treat your imbalance. These hormones are natural, not synthetic. Your body adapts to them more easily because it reads them as being the same as the hormones you naturally produce.
With injections, it is easier to regulate and measure the precise amount of hormones you are receiving. And since they are injected directly into your bloodstream, your body is better able to absorb these hormones quickly and effectively. With our expertise in HRT, we can help restore balance to your body and get you back to feeling like your best self.
Hormone Replacement Solutions for You from HerKare
We take a personalized approach to treatment, ensuring that each patient receives a unique tailored plan. Our team recognizes the complexity of hormone imbalance and can help find the optimal treatment for you. If you have been struggling with the uncomfortable symptoms of hormonal imbalance, contact us now to schedule an appointment.
by SXHH Marketing | Jun 20, 2023 | Menopause, Wellness
You have a natural balance of good and bad bacteria in your body that can be impacted by the physical and emotional stress of menopause symptoms. Symptoms such as hot flashes or irregular periods may come and go for months or even years, but incorporating probiotics into your daily women’s health care routine can make a difference.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that are the same as or similar to microorganisms that naturally live in our bodies. Probiotic supplements can help tip the balance in your body back towards good bacteria. In fact, recent research has suggested that certain strains of these beneficial bacteria can help manage common complaints associated with menopause.
During menopause, healthy lifestyle choices have a direct impact on how you feel day to day. These choices can include eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and taking supplementary vitamins or probiotics. While probiotics alone may not be enough to tackle menopause symptoms, they can be an excellent complement to other treatment options as part of your women’s health care, including Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
Navigating menopause can be a serious challenge for many women. If you are suffering from menopausal changes, you may be looking for options that can help you feel like yourself again. Get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment. We can treat your symptoms and help you feel better.
Probiotics Can Help Ease Menopause Symptoms
Women’s health care during menopause can include incorporating probiotics into your daily routine to help with your menopause symptoms.
Probiotic supplements contain different strains of bacteria, each of which interacts with your body in various ways. Some studies have shown that various probiotics may help lessen the impact of your menopause symptoms. However, their long-term effectiveness is still unproven. Ongoing research is still needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of probiotics for women’s health care during menopause.
Hot Flashes: Hot flashes can be a frustrating and uncomfortable symptom of menopause. According to one study, taking probiotics along with herbal supplements like red clover may help reduce the incidence and intensity of hot flashes.
Sleep and Mood: It’s no secret that poor sleep can negatively impact our mood and overall well-being, especially for those of us who are prone to anxiety or depression. Recently, a scientific review found a correlation between probiotic bacteria and improved sleep quality and mood.
Vaginal Health: The lack of estrogen production during menopause can cause an increase in the vaginal pH level, which can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria. However, some studies suggest that using probiotics alone or in combination with antimicrobial medications may be effective in preventing vaginal infections.
Bone Health: As we age, maintaining strong and healthy bones becomes increasingly important. After menopause, bone health is especially critical. Bone density is a key indicator of overall skeletal health. A recent review found that taking probiotics may help increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.
Weight Loss: Some research has indicated that probiotics may play a key role in promoting weight loss. By increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in our gut, these helpful microorganisms can create short-chain fatty acids that help reduce inflammation and fat deposits in our bodies. Additionally, they may help improve insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control, further supporting your weight management.
Probiotics are generally safe for most women to take. However, if you have a weakened immune system, you should check with your healthcare provider before starting to take a new type of probiotic supplement.
Menopause Symptoms May Affect Your Health
Menopause is often accompanied by a range of symptoms that can significantly disrupt daily life. From hot flashes and mood changes to fatigue and vaginal dryness, symptoms vary from woman to woman. If left unmanaged, they can take a toll on your quality of life. In fact, they may even lead to more serious health issues. Reduced estrogen can increase your . And unexpected weight gain and higher cortisol levels can escalate your blood sugar levels, which is dangerous for women who have diabetes or are predisposed to this disease.
Don’t let difficult menopause symptoms dictate your well-being. Women’s health care is crucial in managing and treating menopause symptoms and preventing long-term health issues. So if you’re experiencing menopause and its symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek help.
HRT is the Most Effective Option for Women’s Healthy Menopause Care
As we age, menopause can take a real toll on our physical and emotional health. Symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disruption can be incredibly challenging to manage. HRT is a proven method that relieves your symptoms. We typically prescribe all-natural bioidentical hormone therapy rather than synthetic hormones, as they are identical to the type of hormones your body produces. The benefits you’ll experience with HRT can include more energy, improved concentration, better muscle tone, and fewer wrinkles.
Women’s Health Care from HerKare
We offer a variety of menopause treatments to meet your individual needs. Our knowledgeable and experienced providers will answer any questions you may have and provide personalized care to help you feel like yourself again. So don’t hesitate – contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options!
by SXHH Marketing | Jun 6, 2023 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
After age 45, women become much more susceptible to developing . This is directly linked to reduced levels of estrogen during perimenopause, a time when many women turn to hormone replacement. Estrogen helps promote blood flow through your body by keeping blood vessels open, so when your estrogen decreases, your blood vessels can constrict. Because your veins and arteries are now narrowed, your heart is forced to pump your blood with more effort than normal.
Not only does raising your estrogen levels lower your risk of hypertension, but you can also benefit from the many other effects of balanced estrogen, like sleeping better and improving weight loss. It is quite common for hormones to become imbalanced, especially before menopause. This imbalance can be caused by even very small changes in how many hormones your body produces.
If you’re struggling with high blood pressure along with other menopause symptoms, get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment. We can help you treat your symptoms and get back to normal as soon as possible.
Summary
- Low estrogen during menopause can increase your risk of high blood pressure. Normal levels of estrogen help keep blood vessels open to promote healthy flow, when levels drop, blood vessels can constrict and make the heart work harder, leading to high blood pressure and hypertension.
- Estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can help offset decreased estrogen levels and may lower the risk of developing high blood pressure by supporting overall cardiovascular health. However, different types and delivery methods of estrogen (like non-oral vs. oral) can have varying impacts on blood pressure risk.
- After menopause, as estrogen levels drop naturally, women are more susceptible to high blood pressure. Keeping track of blood pressure along with hormone changes can help reduce cardiovascular risk and protect heart health.
Estrogen Plays a Key Role in Your Body
Estrogen has a vital role in women’s bodies. As a primary sex hormone, one of its main jobs is to regulate the reproductive system. But its role doesn’t stop there. Normal levels of estrogen help to:
- Control cholesterol levels
- Maintain bone density
- Boost mood
- Reduce blood vessel inflammation
- Protect urinary tract
- Sustain cognitive function
- Preserve youthful skin and hair
Low levels of estrogen can lead to various health issues, including osteoporosis, mood swings, and hot flashes. Our team of healthcare providers can help manage these risks and symptoms through women’s hormone care. We will work with you to determine the optimal treatment options for your individual needs.
Estrogen Hormone Replacement Helps Keep Blood Pressure Low
Hormone replacement therapy helps offset decreased estrogen, helping to lower blood pressure and the risk of developing hypertension.
Estrogen has a vasodilative effect, meaning it helps keep the blood vessels open. This effect is particularly important for cardiovascular health. Lower blood pressure means a healthier heart and a reduced risk of heart disease. Research shows that complications from heart disease are the leading cause of death in women in the United States. These findings underscore the importance of a healthy hormonal balance in maintaining overall cardiovascular health.
By age 65 or 70, more women have high blood pressure than men. Women experiencing a decrease in estrogen production may not realize the potential corresponding rise in blood pressure and risk of developing hypertension. Some of the possible negative outcomes of hypertension could include:
- Heart attack and stroke. Deposits of plaque can narrow or block your arteries and could lead to blood clots. Blood clots can flow to your heart or brain, resulting in a heart attack or stroke. One study showed that a woman’s risk of having a heart attack is five times higher after menopause than before.
- Heart failure. Your heart has to work harder to circulate your blood, causing your heart to become larger and fail to supply your organs with blood.
- Hypertensive crisis. This is a medical emergency that causes your blood pressure to rapidly rise above 180/120.
- Chest pain. This happens when the heart doesn’t get the blood it needs. When people with high blood pressure walk uphill or exercise, angina can cause pressure or pain in the chest.
- Kidney damage. Your kidneys help your body dispose of toxins and regulate many complex functions in the body. When they get damaged by high blood pressure, it reduces their efficiency and could lead to kidney failure.
- Vision problems. Because your eyes are full of small blood vessels, they can be strained by high blood pressure. If left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss.
By keeping track of your blood pressure and taking steps to manage it, you can decrease your risk of hypertension and keep your heart healthy. It’s important to stay on top of your health and make sure you’re informed on all the changes that happen during menopause.
Lifestyle Tips for Healthy Blood Pressure
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is crucial for women, especially as estrogen levels start to drop due to menopause. Women experiencing high blood pressure should take this condition seriously. Lifestyle changes can help. These tips can help reduce blood pressure levels and lower the risk of serious health conditions.
First, eating a well-balanced diet is essential. Incorporate foods that are low in sodium and high in potassium. Make time for low-impact, regular exercise such as walking, swimming, or cycling. Yoga or meditation can be great stress relievers, which can help keep your blood pressure down. Additionally, getting regular check-ups from your healthcare provider and taking any prescribed medication as directed is key. This may include HRT to help you take control of your blood pressure and overall health.
Hormone Replacement Therapy to Restore Estrogen Levels
HRT is a safe and effective option for many women experiencing symptoms of menopause. Our providers prescribe FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy rather than synthetic hormones, as they’re identical to the type of hormones your body produces. We may recommend estrogen replacement therapy, with or without progesterone.
If you’ve had a hysterectomy and no longer have a uterus, then we may prescribe estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy. This can treat your symptoms with few side effects and health risks.
If you still have your uterus, then you will receive combination therapy. This means the hormone imbalance treatment includes both estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is necessary to keep endometrium (the lining of the uterus) growth in check to reduce the risk of uterine cancer.
Your Hormone Replacement Options with HerKare
HerKare is here to provide personalized women’s hormone care. We offer an effective and safe way to support you with hormone replacement therapy. Reach out today and talk to a provider about how we can help with your hormonal care!
