by Elizabeth Garcia | Sep 7, 2023 | Wellness
Prioritizing women’s hormone care can help prevent unexpected and dangerous plaque buildup in your arteries.
Most of us are familiar with what causes plaque buildup in our arteries: eating foods high in saturated fat or cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. But even if you are a healthy and active woman, you can develop plaque buildup due to an unexpected source: low estrogen. Because of this, women’s hormone care is more critical than ever.
Research shows there is a strong correlation between decreased estrogen and an increased risk of plaque buildup in your arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This seriously raises your chances of developing arterial blockages or other heart-related health issues.
If you are struggling with the symptoms of hormone imbalance, it’s important to consider options like hormone replacement therapy to prevent low estrogen levels from leading to future health problems. Read on to learn more about how your hormones impact your cardiovascular health and how women’s hormone care can help. Protect your health now—book an appointment with our team to get your hormone levels checked.
Estrogen Does Many Important Jobs in Our Body
Estrogen is primarily associated with our reproductive health, but it actually does a lot more than just regulate our menstrual cycle. In fact, it plays a vital role in many different bodily processes for women. It is a crucial hormone for our overall health and wellbeing.
Estrogen contributes to bone health, thermoregulation, and endocrine function. It is linked to mood, memory, and even cognitive abilities, and fluctuating levels of estrogen can be associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. Estrogen also protects overall cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and constriction in our blood vessels.
What Happens When Plaque Builds Up in Our Arteries
An estrogen deficiency can lead to a dramatic increase in your risk of developing a serious condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of fats and cholesterol, called plaque, in and on the artery walls. If left untreated, it can have severe consequences, like a heart attack or stroke.
The buildup of fatty plaque in your arteries puts pressure on your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow to your organs. Reduced blood flow in the body can cause numerous health problems, including chest pain or angina. This condition occurs when the heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen due to a reduced blood supply. The severity of the pain associated with angina can range from mild discomfort to a crushing pressure that feels like an enormous weight is sitting on your chest.
Plaque Buildup Can Lead to Serious Diseases
Plaque buildup in arteries is a common cause of several diseases that can impact various parts of the body, including the heart, brain, arms, legs, pelvis, and kidneys. These small, fatty deposits can build up in your arteries over time, narrowing the passage of blood to vital organs like your heart and brain. These may include:
- Coronary Artery Disease: Plaque buildup up in the arteries of your heart, causing chest pain and potentially leading to a heart attack.
- Peripheral Artery Disease: A buildup in the arteries of the legs, arms, or pelvis, leading to limb pain and decreased blood pressure in the affected area.
- Carotid Artery Disease: A buildup in your neck artery that causes reduced blood flow to your brain, which can cause a transient ischemic attack (TIA). This is signaled by sudden numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, difficulty speaking or slurred speech, temporary loss of vision in one eye, or drooping muscles in your face.
- Renal Artery Stenosis: Plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to your kidneys, preventing them from cleaning your blood efficiently and potentially leading to kidney failure.
- Vertebral Artery Disease: A buildup in the vertebral artery that supplies blood to the back of your brain, the neural area that controls the automatic bodily functions that keep you alive.
- Mesenteric Artery Ischemia: Plaque buildup in the arteries that lead to the intestines, reducing blood flow and causing intense abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting.
When a plaque bursts, it can have devastating consequences for your health. The rupture can cause a blood clot to form that may block the artery entirely. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke, two of the leading causes of death worldwide. Ensure you seek immediate medical attention if you experience any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke.
Hormone Replacement Can Help Prevent High Risk Health Concerns
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your heart and overall health. Women’s hormone care, such as bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, can help regulate fluctuating hormone levels that can impact your cardiovascular health.
Hormone imbalance can lead to numerous symptoms, including insomnia, weight gain, and mood swings. Not only can treatment relieve these uncomfortable symptoms, but it can reduce your risk of future health problems. So if you’re looking for a way to manage the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance while also taking care of your heart, consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). When managed properly, HRT allows you to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while minimizing the effects of hormonal changes.
Research has shown that increasing estrogen levels can have a positive effect on blood vessels, making them less reactive and more relaxed. Additionally, estrogen can help stabilize the amount of plaque being produced, which means your body can process it normally instead of allowing it to build up.
Women’s Hormone Care from HerKare
Taking proper care of your hormones helps improve your health and quality of life. We are here to provide you with care you can trust. Take charge of your well-being today—contact us now to schedule an appointment and take an important step toward protecting your heart health for years to come.
by Elizabeth Garcia | 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 risk of high blood pressure and hypertension. 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 Elizabeth Garcia | Jun 6, 2023 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
After age 45, women become much more susceptible to developing high blood pressure. 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.
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!
by Phoebee Johnson | Apr 6, 2023 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause, Wellness
Menopause is a natural, yet often overwhelming time in the life of women. It can cause physical and emotional changes that can be hard to adjust to and manage on your own. What many don’t realize is that symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes are due to low estrogen levels, particularly a type of estrogen called estradiol. If you’re like many menopausal women looking for more information about this change in hormones, then take some time to learn about estradiol — the form of estrogen most affected by menopause. Stay tuned for facts about estradiol’s role before and after menopause, as well as tips on managing this shift with personalized treatment solutions!
If you’re struggling with symptoms of low estrogen and menopause symptoms, reach out to our team today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you feel better.
Types of Estrogen
Low estrogen can cause a lot of uncomfortable symptoms.
Estrogen is a crucial hormone in a woman’s body. It’s responsible for many things, like regulating the menstrual cycle, maintaining bone health, and protecting the cardiovascular system. You’ve probably heard of estrogen before, but did you know there are different types? The three types of estrogen are:
- Estradiol
- Estrone
- Estriol
Estradiol is the most predominant form of estrogen. It’s more potent than the other types and is made mostly in the ovaries. Estradiol is the hormone that controls a lot of the things you might think of when you consider estrogen, like reproduction and bone health. So, if your doctor says you have low estrogen, they’re likely talking about estradiol.
Estrone, on the other hand, is the most predominant type of estrogen in postmenopausal women. This is considered the weakest type of estrogen. The adrenal glands and fat tissues in your body are responsible for most estrone production. Before menopause, it can be converted into estradiol in the body, but since you need less estradiol after menopause and you can no longer get pregnant, it tends to stay as estrone in the body after the menopausal transition.
Lastly, estriol is produced during pregnancy by the placenta. It’s responsible for many important tasks during pregnancy, like helping the uterus grow and stay healthy and preparing the body for birth and breastfeeding. In people who aren’t pregnant, estriol levels are almost undetectable and don’t play a very significant role in the body.
Estradiol’s Importance for Your Health
Estradiol is a hormone that is essential for women’s health. For instance, estradiol levels affect things like the menstrual cycle, bone health, blood cholesterol levels, and even brain function. As we age, our estradiol levels naturally decline, leading up to menopause where they drop significantly. Low estradiol levels can lead to a range of health issues, including osteoporosis and increased risk for heart disease. Since this type of estrogen is so potent, it’s what’s primarily responsible for the symptoms of menopause and low estrogen.
There are some lifestyle factors you can do to maintain healthy estradiol levels throughout your life, including things like eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise. However, after menopause, you might need hormone replacement therapy to boost estradiol to relieve your symptoms, since your ovaries stop producing as much estradiol as they did before.
Estradiol Levels Before Menopause
While estradiol is found in both men and women, it’s particularly important for women. It plays an important role in our premenopausal years by regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining vaginal health. Before menopause, your estradiol levels will fluctuate based on where you are in your monthly cycle, with estradiol being highest in the first half of the cycle and then declining as you get closer to your period. In fact, these low estrogen levels during your cycle, while normal, are likely responsible for premenstrual symptoms.
As you get closer to menopause, also known as perimenopause, estradiol levels may fluctuate more significantly. They may get really high or low during this time in the lead up to menopause. This is also frequently why women start experiencing menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness before their period stops.
Estradiol Levels After Menopause
After menopause, when you’ve reached 12 months without a period, there is a significant drop in estrogen levels, particularly estradiol. These low estrogen levels happen because the ovaries stop producing estradiol, which causes your period to end. It can also lead to continuing symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes as your body gets used to the new normal for estrogen levels. Low estradiol levels after you reach menopause can also cause many health changes, with an increased risk for several serious conditions, like heart disease and osteoporosis. That’s why it’s important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have and discuss options for managing your estradiol levels after menopause. With proper care and attention, you can maintain your health and well-being for years to come. In many cases, estrogen replacement therapy can help address both symptoms and health risks after menopause related to low estrogen levels.
Signs of Low Estrogen
As women, we go through a lot of changes throughout our lives, and one of the most common is fluctuating estrogen levels. Low estrogen levels can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
It’s important to pay attention to these signs because low estrogen levels can also have long-term effects on our overall health, including bone loss and an increased risk of certain cancers. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to our healthcare team to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Remember, taking care of ourselves means paying attention to the signs our bodies are giving us!
Causes of Low Estradiol
Obviously, estradiol is an important hormone in our bodies, as one of the main types of estrogen. However, what actually causes estradiol levels to drop? Menopause is a major culprit. As we age and get closer to menopause, our ovaries stop producing as much estradiol. This is a natural, albeit often uncomfortable process that you may need to manage with hormone therapy.
However, there are other things that can cause low estrogen as well. For instance, having a really low body weight is one. Excessive exercise is another. Also, certain medications can often lower estradiol.
It’s important to speak with our healthcare providers if you are experiencing symptoms of low estradiol, as they can help determine the underlying cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Remember, knowledge is power, and understanding what’s going on with your body can help you feel your best.
How to Diagnose Low Estrogen Levels
If you’re suffering from low estrogen symptoms, then talk to our healthcare providers. We can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide tailored treatment plans to relieve your symptoms. Discussing your symptoms and ruling out other causes is one way that we frequently diagnose low estradiol levels.
In some cases, we may recommend blood tests to look at how much estradiol is in your blood. In fact, it’s common to use these tests to determine your menopausal status, like if you take hormonal birth control and aren’t sure whether you’re experiencing a true period or withdrawal bleeding. Blood tests can let us see the amount of estradiol in your blood as well as the amount of follicle-stimulating hormone, which is what stimulates estrogen production in the ovaries.
By analyzing your estradiol levels, our providers can determine if hormone replacement therapy or other treatments would be beneficial for you. It’s important to be open and honest with your doctor about any symptoms or concerns you may have, as this will help them provide you with the best possible care. So don’t hesitate to ask questions or bring up any worries – your health is important, and our team is here to help.
Treatments for Low Estrogen
Low estradiol levels can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings, and even bone loss. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall health. Medications, such as hormone replacement therapy, can effectively raise estradiol levels and offer symptom relief, while lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also make a significant impact. It’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs, but with the right approach, you can manage low estradiol levels and enjoy a better quality of life.
Women’s Health Care from HerKare
In summary, there are three types of estrogen—estradiol, estrone, and estriol— but estradiol is the most important one to know about. It’s important for women’s health and controls a lot of important functions, including the menstrual cycle and menopause. Women may experience a variety of symptoms due to low estradiol levels. To find out more about your own estradiol levels, you can discuss your symptoms with our providers. There are many treatment options for low estradiol levels, including hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes. At HerKare we understand our patients’ unique needs. We work with you to provide hormone care and help you feel your best. So make an appointment at one of our clinics today and let us help you manage your health.
by Phoebee Johnson | Mar 20, 2023 | Wellness
You may have heard of “long COVID” – the term used to describe the lingering effects that some people experience after contracting the coronavirus. Now, new research suggests that long COVID may also change your menstrual cycle. Small studies and anecdotal evidence has found that many women who contracted COVID and experience long COVID symptoms may notice several changes to their periods. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, they suggest that long COVID may have far-reaching consequences for women’s health. While we’ve discussed some of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s periods, new evidence suggests that long COVID may cause even more disruptions to your cycle. We’ll discuss the evidence in this article.
If you’re suffering from symptoms, make an appointment with our providers.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID can cause symptoms for months after infection and might also cause changes to your period.
Long COVID, also known as post-COVID conditions, is a term used to describe the health effects that people who have had COVID-19 may experience long after they have recovered from the virus. While most people recover from their symptoms after about two weeks, long COVID symptoms can go on for months. Symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Joint pain
- Brain fog
- Ongoing heart and lung issues
These symptoms generally start with a COVID infection and continue for months, with a small number of people experiencing symptoms for even a year or more.
Long COVID Might Affect Your Menstrual Cycle
Many women notice slight changes in their periods after a COVID-19 infection. However, the virus may cause long-term effects on your menstrual cycle. With long COVID symptoms, many women report changes to their periods long after the infection clears up. Obviously, this can be quite concerning for many people. While experts are still studying what long COVID has to do with menstrual changes, many believe it is due to the extra stress on the body, which can affect your periods and hormones.
As always, keep an eye out for sudden menstrual changes and talk to our providers about concerning changes. For instance, if you bleed for longer than seven days or experience seriously heavy bleeding, it’s often best to seek medical attention. Remember, even though long COVID is an ongoing issue for many people all over the world, there are a variety of ways to manage its effects – so don’t hesitate to reach out for help from our women’s health care providers!
Long COVID May Affect Period Cycle Length
Long COVID may change your menstrual cycle length. There are several small studies and anecdotal evidence that show that cycle length changes are pretty common after they contract COVID. This means the cycle may be longer or shorter than normal for the person. These effects may become longer-term for those who experience long COVID symptoms. Scientists are still studying long COVID and its effects on many aspects of our health, so if you’re worried about changes to your cycle length, speak to your doctor for information and advice.
You May Miss Your Period After COVID
We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted almost every area of our lives, and it seems like something new is being discovered about it every day. Recently, experts have reported that some women may miss a period after contracting the virus. Some continue to suffer from irregular periods or frequently missed periods if they experience long COVID symptoms. This may be due to immune responses to the coronavirus.
Long COVID May Affect Your Flow or Increase Clots
It’s common to notice changes in your menstrual flow or the number of clots during your period when you experience long COVID, sometimes known as long-haul COVID. These changes can include heavier periods or an increase in the number of clots. Some other women notice breakthrough bleeding if they’re on birth control or spotting between periods. In rarer cases, women report their periods are lighter than before contracting the virus. It is important to be aware of any changes you are experiencing and seek medical attention if needed as this can also be an indicator of something more serious going on with your health.
Long COVID Symptoms May Get Worse Around Your Period
Long COVID symptoms can be especially challenging to manage if they vary in intensity throughout the month. It is increasingly common for women with long COVID to have worse symptoms around the time of their period. This may mean more intense fatigue and brain fog, as well as worsened breathing, muscle, and joint pain, all of which are common features of long COVID. This may be due to combined symptoms of long COVID and premenstrual symptoms. It may also be that hormone changes throughout your cycle could make long COVID worse.
What to Do If You Notice Long COVID Symptoms and Changes to Your Period
If you think you may be suffering from long COVID and menstrual problems, the best thing to do is contact your doctor. Be sure to keep track of your symptoms and provide a detailed account of how long they have been affecting you. Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend any tests or exams required for further evaluation. Changes to your period should always be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious health conditions.
Additionally, you might benefit from joining support groups for managing post-COVID effects. You can also reach out to family and friends for assistance as they may be able to provide comfort, listen, and offer advice on how best to cope with the symptoms. Remember, there is no need to go through this alone, so don’t hesitate to seek help if needed.
Women’s Health Care from HerKare
Long COVID can have a wide range of potential impacts on your health, including your menstrual cycle. If you’re suffering from period changes and other symptoms, book an appointment with your local HerKare clinic today. Our team are here to provide advice and support, helping you not only check up on physical health issues but also offer mental wellbeing support during these tough times. Remember, it’s not just about the physical manifestations of long COVID – look out for changes in mood and sleeping habits too. Above all else seeking professional help is always a smart course of action when it comes to health concerns such as these. Make an appointment today!
by Phoebee Johnson | Mar 6, 2023 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
Hormones are chemical messengers that work throughout your body, with the body producing over 50 different hormones for many different things. Sex hormones – estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone – are three types of hormones that are really important for your overall health and how you feel on a day-to-day basis. They are also commonly thrown off balance, especially in the lead up to menopause. If your hormones are out of whack because of menopause or other issues, you may need hormone imbalance treatment to correct them, which can relieve your symptoms and reduce risks for some health issues. Of course, this means knowing the signs of a hormone imbalance and making an appointment with our providers to talk about treatment options. In this blog, you’ll learn some common signs you may have a hormonal imbalance and what treatment options are available.
Hormone imbalance treatment can help you feel your best and protect your health.
If you’re struggling with 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.
What is Hormone Imbalance Treatment?
Hormone imbalance treatment is basically how we treat people whose hormones are out of balance. Hormone imbalances can be caused by even very small changes in how many hormones your body produces. Keep in mind that sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all are supposed to keep each other in check. If you have too much or too little of one or more, then you have a hormonal imbalance that may require treatment to help with symptoms and health effects.
In a woman’s life, there are several times when hormones naturally get thrown off balance: puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Menopause is a really common time when you may need hormone imbalance treatment because your hormones become less consistent and start to decline. During your pre-menopausal years, your hormones stay pretty consistent. They go through a basic cycle, which is what controls when your period starts and stops and when you ovulate. However, in menopause your hormone levels may look more like a rollercoaster that is gradually trending downward. This can cause many symptoms that hormone imbalance treatment can alleviate.
Who Needs Hormone Imbalance Treatment?
How do you know if you need hormone imbalance treatment? Practically anyone who is suffering from the effects of unbalanced hormones could benefit from hormone imbalance treatment. Changes in your hormones frequently cause a variety of symptoms that can prove disruptive to everyday life. If you notice these signs, make an appointment with our providers to talk about your symptoms and get a diagnosis. From there, we can discuss treatment options that work best for your individual circumstances.
You Might Need Hormone Imbalance Treatment if You Have These Symptoms
There are many different signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance to pay attention to. Some symptoms of hormone imbalances in women include:
- Hot flashes
- Night sweats
- Menstrual changes
- Irregular periods
- Heavy periods
- Frequent periods
- Infrequent/missed periods
- Vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal tissues)
- Vaginal burning/itching
- Painful sex
- Urinary frequency
- Frequent UTIs
- Vaginal dryness
- Low libido
- Weight changes
- Acne
- Infertility
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Hair growth on the face
Keep in mind that many of these symptoms can also be attributed to other health conditions. That’s why it’s so necessary to see a doctor to identify the root cause. If it is caused by your hormones, you may need hormone imbalance treatment.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Hormone Imbalances?
The first step to getting the right care for a hormone imbalance is to talk to a doctor. Our providers can help find underlying causes of your symptoms and offer personalized treatment solutions for you. If you think you have a hormone imbalance, our team will discuss your symptoms and medical history. Diagnosing a hormone imbalance generally starts there to rule out other causes of your symptoms. In some cases, we may also recommend a blood test to check the hormone levels in your blood for imbalances.
Health Risks of Unbalanced Hormones
Hormones play a lot of important roles in the body. Sex hormones in particular control processes like:
- Reproduction
- Sex drive
- Bone growth
- Muscle growth
- Body fat distribution
As such, there are many potential health issues that can come with imbalances in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. For instance, when hormones start to fluctuate and decline around the time of menopause, these changes can increase your risk for osteoporosis, heart disease, and stroke.
Hormone Imbalance Treatment Options
There may be many ways to treat your hormone imbalance, like following healthy lifestyle changes. However, by far the most common treatment option is hormone replacement therapy. This involves taking hormone medications to bring your levels back into normal, balanced ranges.
Hormone Replacement Therapy
There are many different options for hormone replacement therapy if you’re suffering from a hormone imbalance. Our providers typically prescribe FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapy rather than synthetic hormones, as they’re identical to the type of hormones your body produces.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of a hormone imbalance due to menopause, then we may recommend estrogen replacement therapy (with or without progesterone) or testosterone replacement therapy. Both can work effectively to reduce symptoms of menopause.
Estrogen Replacement Therapy
Estrogen replacement therapy is by far the most popular treatment for hormone imbalances during menopause. This is because most menopause symptoms are caused by declining estrogen levels in your body as your ovaries start to produce less. 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.
In some cases, we may prescribe vaginal estrogen. This is a type of hormone replacement therapy used in the vagina and provides a lower dose of hormones to the area. Generally, vaginal estrogen only works for symptoms like vaginal dryness and atrophy and likely won’t help if you’re suffering from other symptoms like hot flashes or mood changes.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Sometimes, we may recommend testosterone replacement therapy if your testosterone levels are too low. Low testosterone in women is more common as you reach menopause and can also cause many of the symptoms listed in the above section, like low sex drive. Testosterone replacement therapy during menopause may help with your symptoms if estrogen options aren’t working or if you can’t use estrogen replacement therapy because of your medical history or other issues.
Bring Your Hormones Back into Balance with HerKare
Our team at HerKare is here to provide you with personalized healthcare solutions if you’re struggling with unbalanced hormones. We offer support through perimenopause and menopause so you can feel your best. Using hormone replacement therapy optimized to your needs, we can ease the effects of menopause so you can keep living your best life. It’s really easy to get started, just make an appointment and our team will help get to the bottom of your symptoms and provide custom treatment options.
