by Elizabeth Garcia | Jul 15, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy
Estrogen plays a significant role in our bodies and helps us maintain mental and emotional balance. When your estrogen levels are low, it can bring on feelings of anxiety and irritability that are tough to handle. If you are feeling this way, you’re not alone. Many women experience a drop in estrogen at various stages of life, so it’s important to understand how this hormone can have a domino effect on your mental health.
At HerKare, we specialize in women’s health and understand the unique challenges you face. We’re here to support you and provide the compassionate care you need to feel your best. If you are struggling with a hormonal deficiency, reach out to us today. We can help you find relief and get back to enjoying life.
How Do I Know If I Have Low Estrogen?
Low estrogen can cause many physical and emotional changes. If you’re experiencing some of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that your hormonal levels need attention:
-
- Mood swings: Feeling more irritable, anxious, or even depressed than usual? Fluctuating estrogen levels can disrupt the delicate balance of brain chemicals responsible for mood regulation.
- Difficulty concentrating: Estrogen affects brain function, including cognitive processes like memory and focus, so when it is low, it can lead to brain fog and trouble concentrating.
- Irregular or missed periods: Estrogen is vital for regulating menstrual cycles, so pay attention if your periods become irregular, infrequent, or stop altogether.
- Fatigue and sleep problems: Feeling tired all the time, even with adequate rest, and struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep can be linked to hormonal imbalances.
- Dry or dull hair and skin: Estrogen plays a role in maintaining skin and hair health. With lower levels, you might notice your hair becoming more brittle or dull and your skin feeling drier than usual.
- Decreased libido: Estrogen is linked to sexual desire. If you’re experiencing a lower sex drive, it could be related to hormonal changes.
- Hot flashes and night sweats: Sudden sensations of heat, flushing, and sweating, particularly at night, and is often associated with menopause.
- Headaches: Hormonal imbalances can trigger or worsen headaches, particularly migraines.
- Vaginal dryness and discomfort: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining vaginal health. Reduced levels can lead to dryness, itching, and pain during intercourse.
If you’re experiencing several of these symptoms, a women’s clinic can assess your hormone levels and work with you to explore potential treatment options.
Estrogen Affects Your Serotonin Levels
Help restore balance and reduce mood swings and anxiety by treating your low estrogen.
Estrogen is more than just a sex hormone. It is a powerful chemical messenger that plays a vital role in many bodily functions, including brain chemistry and mood regulation. Think of it as a key that unlocks certain pathways in your brain, influencing how you feel and react to the world around you.
One of the key ways estrogen affects mood is through its interaction with serotonin, a neurotransmitter often referred to as the “happy chemical.” Serotonin helps stabilize our mood, and creates feelings of well-being and happiness. Estrogen boosts serotonin production and enhances its activity in the brain. So, when estrogen levels drop, serotonin levels can also decline.
Consistently low serotonin levels can have a profound impact on your emotional state. You might experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of motivation, characteristic of depression. Anxiety may also become more prevalent, with excessive worrying and difficulty relaxing. Additionally, low serotonin has been linked to irritability, anger outbursts, and difficulty controlling impulses. It can even affect your sleep patterns and appetite.
Who Can Experience Low Estrogen?
A hormonal deficiency isn’t limited to a specific age group or life stage. While it’s commonly associated with menopause, the truth is, any woman can experience fluctuations in estrogen levels, regardless of age.
Menopause is a natural transition at the end of a woman’s reproductive years. As the ovaries gradually decrease their production of estrogen, various symptoms can arise, including hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes. However, the journey to menopause, known as perimenopause, can start years earlier and bring its own set of challenges. During perimenopause, estrogen levels can fluctuate erratically, leading to unpredictable symptoms and emotional ups and downs that can last for several years.
In addition, your lifestyle can play a significant role in your estrogen levels. For example, chronic stress can disrupt hormone production. Excess body fat can also affect estrogen levels, as fat cells produce estrogen, leading to an imbalance.
External factors may also be a contributor. We’re constantly exposed to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in our environment, found in everything from plastics to pesticides. These chemicals can mimic or interfere with natural hormones, potentially lowering estrogen levels. Additionally, certain medications, such as those used for hormone-sensitive cancers or endometriosis, can directly impact estrogen production.
An estrogen deficiency can happen to any woman, any time. The key is to be aware of the potential causes and symptoms, so you can seek appropriate support and treatment if needed.
Supplementing Your Hormone Levels with HRT
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a personalized approach to addressing depleted estrogen levels. Unlike synthetic or animal-derived hormones, HRT utilizes plant-based hormones that are structurally identical to the ones your body naturally produces.
The primary goal of HRT is to replenish your diminishing estrogen levels in order to alleviate the physical and emotional symptoms associated with a hormonal deficiency. It works on a deep level to help restore the chemical and hormonal balance within your body and brain. As estrogen levels rise, the balance between your hormones and neurotransmitters is re-established. Serotonin production receives a boost, helping to improve mood stability and reduce your feelings of anxiety and irritability.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional specializing in HRT to determine if this therapy is right for you. They will conduct a thorough assessment of your hormone levels, medical history, and current symptoms to create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Treat Your Hormonal Imbalance with HerKare
Don’t let a hormonal imbalance steal your joy and peace of mind. At HerKare, we can create a customized hormone replacement treatment plan to help restore balance and give you relief from your symptoms. Schedule a consultation with us today and discover the difference that personalized, compassionate care can make.
by Elizabeth Garcia | Jun 5, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy
Hormone replacement treatment is an investment that supports both your physical health and mental well-being.
Hormone replacement treatment is a life-changing option for many women experiencing hormonal imbalances, but it often comes with questions about cost and effectiveness. Is the investment worth it? Can you truly put a price on feeling like yourself again?
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the costs associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), comparing them with the potential financial and emotional toll of untreated hormonal symptoms.
Our goal is to provide a clear, compassionate overview to help you make an informed decision about your health and well-being. If you’re seeking expert guidance and personalized care, HerKare is here to support you on your journey towards hormonal balance. Schedule an initial consultation with us now.
Understanding Hormone Imbalance and HRT
Hormones play a crucial role in our bodies, regulating everything from mood and energy levels to sleep and sexual function. When these hormones become imbalanced, it can trigger a cascade of physical and emotional symptoms that significantly impact our daily lives.
For women, menopause is a common culprit, causing a decline in estrogen and progesterone levels. This can lead to hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and difficulty sleeping. However, hormonal imbalances can occur at any age or stage of life, including during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause. Many factors can cause this, including being overweight, having a sedentary lifestyle, or other existing medical conditions.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers a solution by replenishing your depleted hormones, helping to alleviate symptoms and restore balance. It can be a lifeline for many women struggling with the effects of hormonal imbalances.
Breaking Down Typical Costs of Hormone Replacement Treatment
While several types of hormone replacement therapy are available, bioidentical hormone replacement treatment is an excellent option due to its personalized approach and the use of hormones that are chemically identical to those produced by your own body.
Getting assessed and treated for low hormones includes various steps, each with its own cost depending on your provider and location.
Consultation and Initial Testing
- The journey typically begins with an initial consultation with a healthcare provider specializing in hormone replacement treatment. During this visit, your medical history will be reviewed, and your symptoms will be assessed.
- Blood tests are usually conducted to determine your specific hormone levels and needs.
HRT Treatment
- The cost of your hormone injections can vary depending on the specific hormones needed, dosage, and the frequency of injections.
- Typically, bioidentical hormone injections are administered every one to four weeks.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments
- Hormone levels can fluctuate, so regular monitoring through follow-up appointments and additional blood tests is crucial. This ensures that your treatment plan remains effective and safe.
- The frequency of these follow up visits and tests can vary but generally occurs every three to six months for the first follow up, then once a year after that.
Calculating the Cost of Living with Untreated Hormonal Imbalances
While the upfront cost of hormone replacement treatment may seem significant, consider the often-overlooked expenses associated with living with untreated hormonal imbalances. These costs extend beyond just your finances, encompassing your emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life.
Productivity Loss and Financial Strain
- Hormonal imbalances can wreak havoc on your ability to focus, concentrate, and maintain energy levels. This can lead to decreased productivity at work, missed days, and potential job loss, impacting your income and financial stability.
- Brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping can make it challenging to perform your best, impacting your career advancement and long-term financial goals.
- The financial strain can exacerbate your emotional distress, creating a cycle that’s difficult to break.
Medical Expenses for Symptom Management
- Many women struggling with hormonal imbalances seek relief through various medications and treatments to manage individual symptoms.
- The cost of sleep aids, antidepressants, anxiety medications, and other prescriptions can quickly add up, especially when these issues persist over time.
- Additionally, frequent doctor visits for symptom management can further strain your budget.
Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being
- The emotional toll of hormonal imbalances cannot be overstated. Mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression can take a heavy toll on your mental health and relationships.
- Seeking therapy or counseling to cope with these challenges can be an additional expense, though a necessary one for many.
- The emotional distress can lead to a sense of isolation, affecting your social life and overall happiness.
Hormonal imbalances can rob you of the joy and vitality you once experienced. Simple pleasures like spending time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or enjoying physical activities may become difficult or even impossible. The emotional and physical toll can create a sense of hopelessness, making it difficult to envision a future where you feel like yourself again.
While the decision to pursue hormone replacement treatment is a personal one, understanding the full picture can help you make a choice that prioritizes your long-term health and happiness.
Making an Informed Decision About Hormone Replacement Treatment
Navigating the impact of hormonal imbalances can be overwhelming. While hormone replacement treatment does require a financial investment, the potential benefits of restored energy, improved mood, and enhanced quality of life can be invaluable.
At HerKare, we believe that every woman deserves access to personalized, compassionate care that empowers her to thrive. Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding you through your hormone journey, tailoring treatment plans to your unique needs. Schedule a first appointment with us.
by Elizabeth Garcia | May 20, 2024 | Hormone Replacement Therapy
Have you noticed duller skin, thinning hair, or an increase in wrinkles lately? These changes could be more than just signs of aging – they often signal a decline in your body’s hormone levels. Your hormones, particularly estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy, youthful skin and hair, and can be helped with hormone replacement treatment.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is a treatment that helps manage hormonal fluctuations so your body can restore your skin and hair from the inside out. HRT supplements your body naturally with bioidentical hormones to help minimize many negative effects of a hormonal imbalance.
If you’re looking for solutions for healthy skin and hair, it’s time to see if hormone replacement treatment could be the missing piece in your skincare and wellness puzzle. Visit our team at HerKare for personalized guidance—schedule an initial consultation today.
Hormones That Affect Your Skin and Hair
Your hormones play a vital role in keeping your skin and hair healthy and vibrant. To make this happen, estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone need to be in balance with each other.
Estrogen for Youthful Skin
Hormone replacement treatment rebalances the hormones that are essential for healthy skin and hair.
Estrogen is essential for maintaining a youthful complexion. Estrogen promotes the production of hyaluronic acid, a molecule that holds onto moisture in the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated. With declining estrogen levels, skin loses its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness and a dull appearance.
Estrogen also stimulates the production of collagen, the protein that provides the skin with its structure and elasticity. As estrogen levels decline, collagen production slows down, contributing to wrinkles and sagging skin. Studies show that women can lose up to 30% of collagen in the first five years of menopause.
Declining estrogen can lead to slower healing and increased susceptibility to skin damage, as this hormone helps with cell turnover and wound healing to keep skin healthy and glowing.
Progesterone for Skin Balance
Progesterone balances the influence of testosterone, which stimulates oil production. This is particularly important during ovulation when progesterone levels rise, as it helps to minimize breakouts.
Some research suggests progesterone might also help calm skin sensitivity. Fluctuations in progesterone during the menstrual cycle could explain why some women experience more sensitive skin before their period.
Progesterone also works together with estrogen to promote faster wound healing to renew your skin faster.
Testosterone for Hair Growth
Testosterone isn’t just a male hormone—is also present in women’s bodies, though in much smaller amounts. It plays a subtle yet significant role in hair health. Testosterone stimulates the hair follicles, promoting hair growth and thickness.
As estrogen levels decline during menopause, the relative influence of testosterone can increase, potentially leading to unwanted facial hair growth in some women. At the same time, overall hair growth on the scalp may decrease due to this hormonal shift.
Testosterone can stimulate sebum production. While this can contribute to acne in some women, it can also benefit your hair by keeping it naturally lubricated and healthy.
How Do I Know If I Have a Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalances aren’t just a concern for women in menopause. They can occur at any age due to various health conditions or lifestyle factors, like living with type 2 diabetes or being overweight.
Signs of a hormonal imbalance can include:
- Dull Skin: Low estrogen causes collagen to drop, leading to wrinkles, dryness, or a dull complexion.
- Dry Hair: Hair is thinner and has less volume. It may also be drier and more brittle.
- Persistent Acne: While acne is common during puberty, acne in adulthood often signals a hormone imbalance.
- Irregular Periods: Irregular menstrual cycles can be caused by a range of hormonal issues.
- Mood Swings and Irritability: Hormones like estrogen and progesterone significantly impact your mood. Fluctuating levels can lead to unexplained mood swings, irritability, or even depression.
- Sleep Problems: Hormonal changes can disrupt sleep patterns, making it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or experience quality rest.
- Weight Changes: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, despite lifestyle adjustments, might point to a hormonal imbalance like low thyroid or excess cortisol.
- Changes in Libido: Hormonal fluctuation can lead to reduced sex drive.
- Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: Sudden, intense sensations of heat accompanied by sweating due to disrupted estrogen levels.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult with a healthcare professional. A simple blood test can help determine if a hormonal imbalance is present and guide the appropriate course of hormone replacement treatment.
Hormone Replacement Treatment for Skin and Hair Revival
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) offers the potential to replenish declining hormone levels, helping combat the undesirable effects of hormonal changes on your skin and hair.
While HRT comes in various forms like pills, patches, and creams, bioidentical hormone injections stand out as a particularly effective option. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources and chemically mimic the hormones your body naturally produces, so you’re not filling your body with synthetic hormones.
Injections are delivered directly into the bloodstream, ensuring a precise and controlled dosage of hormones. This helps minimize fluctuations that can occur with other methods. Plus, your injections will be tailored to your specific hormone levels so you receive your optimal dose for restoring balance. Regular monitoring allows for adjustments as you continue on your HRT journey, maximizing its benefits and minimizing potential side effects.
Tips for Maintaining Healthy Hair and Skin
Hormone replacement treatment is essential to rebalance your hormones and promote healthy skin and hair, but you can boost it even more with a holistic health approach. Integrate these tips alongside HRT to amplify its effects and achieve optimal results on your skin and hair.
- Prioritize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. These foods provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support healthy skin and hair growth.
- Drink at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your skin hydrated, plump, and glowing. Dehydration can exacerbate wrinkles and contribute to a dull complexion.
- Include fatty fish like salmon and tuna in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to nourish skin and hair, promoting elasticity and shine.
- Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. During sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates cells, including those in your skin and hair.
- Chronic stress wreaks havoc on hormones and can worsen skin problems. Manage stress through practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to promote overall well-being and healthier skin.
- Choose a gentle cleanser and moisturizer suitable for your skin type. Avoid harsh scrubs and over-washing, which can strip away natural oils and irritate the skin.
- Maintain good scalp health by using a gentle shampoo and conditioner suited to your hair type. Regular scalp massages can promote blood circulation and support hair growth.
- Protect your skin from damaging UV rays by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily. Sun exposure accelerates skin aging and increases the risk of skin cancer.
- Smoking constricts blood vessels, depriving skin cells of vital nutrients. Quitting smoking can significantly improve skin tone and texture.
By combining HRT with these essential lifestyle practices, you can create a multi-faceted approach to achieve optimal skin and hair health.
Effective, Affordable Hormone Replacement Treatment for You
The effects of hormonal fluctuations on your skin and hair can be frustrating. HRT offers a solution to replenish declining hormone levels and improve skin and hair health. If you’re ready to take control of your hormones, HerKare can help. Our dedicated team will guide you towards finding the optimal solution for achieving your goals. Schedule a hormone replacement appointment with us now.
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.
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.
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.
