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    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?

    woman doing yoga after restoring balance with women's hormone care

    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.

    Announcement

    It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Dr. Sridevi Panchamukhi will be discontinuing her affiliation with HerKare. Dr. Panchamoukhi’s last day with HerKare was Monday, March 27, 2023. As a patient you may obtain copies of your medical records or arrange transfer of your medical records to another physician. HerKare Physician Group, PLLC will continue to maintain your medical records. You may reach out to records@synergenx.com to obtain copies of your records. We wish Dr. Panchamoukhi the very best.