by SXHH Marketing | Aug 5, 2020 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Menopause, Wellness
Today, women are under more stress than ever before. Life changes like perimenopause and menopause put women more at risk for these rising stressors, taking a toll on their health. Many women though, are turning to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as its effects may reduce stress in addition to hormonal balance.
Studies have shown that estrogen can play a key role in reducing cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, by helping restore hormonal balance. HRT may support healthier cortisol levels as well as improving overall well-being.
Summary
Estrogen may help support a more balanced cortisol response during perimenopause and menopause by influencing how the body reacts to stress as hormone levels decline.
When estrogen levels drop, cortisol activity becomes more pronounced, which can contribute to symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, changes in weight, and facial puffiness also known as “cortisol face.”
Research suggests that women using estrogen replacement therapy may have a more regulated cortisol response under stress compared to women not using hormone therapy.
At HerKare, hormone replacement therapy is personalized. If you’re experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormonal changes, book an appointment today.
What is Cortisol?
Imagine you’re driving when someone suddenly swerves into your lane. If you’ve ever been in a scary situation like this, then you can thank cortisol for the rush of energy you get as you try to avoid the accident.
Cortisol has earned the nickname “the stress hormone,” as it’s responsible for the fight or flight response. It quickly increases your blood sugar so your body has quick access to energy, helping you get out of life-threatening situations. However, cortisol also responds to other stressors that aren’t dangerous, like meeting a deadline at work or getting stuck in a traffic jam.
But it isn’t just fight or flight or normal stress, cortisol plays an important role in everyday life. For example, your body normally has higher cortisol levels when you wake up and when you exercise, helping to give you the energy you need.
Effects of High Cortisol
The problem is, most of us are walking around with higher than normal levels of cortisol. In fact, studies have shown that women tend to have higher cortisol levels than men. This can cause many unwanted symptoms to show up, such as:
- Fatigue
- Increased abdominal fat
- Brain fog
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Mood changes
In addition to these internal symptoms, high cortisol levels can impact you in more visible ways. Some people refer to a visible effect called “cortisol face”.
Cortisol face, sometimes known as moon face, refers to facial puffiness that can happen when cortisol levels stay elevated. This is because cortisol can affect how the body manages fluid retention.
While cortisol is often called the “stress hormone”, it does not work alone. Estrogen is also important when it comes to the body regulating stress, making the relationship between HRT and cortisol worth exploring.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and Cortisol
So, how does hormone replacement therapy, specifically estrogen replacement therapy, have to do with the stress hormone?
During perimenopause and menopause, your estrogen levels naturally start to decline. At the same time, the body’s stress response becomes more sensitive, leading to higher cortisol levels. This is where estrogen replacement therapy may help.
By stabilizing your nervous system, estrogen replacement therapy reduces the body’s stress response, helping avoid the physical menopause symptoms that cause stress.
In one study examining stress, researchers exposed participants to mild stressors to measure their cortisol response. Women not using hormone therapy showed higher cortisol levels than women who were on estrogen replacement therapy. The women on estrogen replacement therapy have a more balanced cortisol response, even when exposed to the same stressors.
These results point to the idea that estrogen replacement therapy may support a more balanced stress response, especially during perimenopause and menopause.
Explore Your HRT Options
Hormones play a central role in how the body manages stress, and estrogen and cortisol are closely linked in that process.
At HerKare, hormone replacement therapy is one of the many ways we help support hormonal balance through every stage of life. Treatment is always personalized and may help relieve symptoms related to the stressors of perimenopause and menopause.
If stress, energy, or mood changes are affecting your daily life, our team can help you explore whether hormone therapy may be right for you.
Book an appointment today to get started.
People Also Ask
How do I know if my symptoms are caused by hormones or stress?
Hormonal changes and stress often overlap in symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and sleep issues. To better understand the cause, talk to a HerKare provider about hormone testing.
Does cortisol always stay high during menopause?
Not always. Cortisol levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day. However, during perimenopause and menopause, hormonal changes may make the body more sensitive to stress, which can affect how cortisol responds.
Can lifestyle changes help lower cortisol levels?
Yes! Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management can all influence cortisol levels and may work alongside hormone therapy for better symptom support.
When should I consider hormone testing?
If you are experiencing persistent symptoms like stress, fatigue, or mood changes, hormone testing may help uncover underlying imbalances.
WOMEN & STRESS – The American Institute of Stress
Estradiol Therapy After Menopause Mitigates Effects of Stress on Cortisol and Working Memory – PMC
Moon Face: Causes & Treatment
by SXHH Marketing | Jun 19, 2020 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
When you notice changes in your period, a hormone doctor may be able to help. Short, irregular periods may indicate hormone imbalances, like low progesterone. A simple blood test can help your hormone doctor determine if you have low progesterone levels. If this is the case, they may recommend a personalized treatment option to help you get back on track and reduce your risk for more serious complications.
Your hormone doctor listens to your concerns about short or irregular periods and helps you find personalized solutions.
What Can My Hormone Doctor Do About Irregular Cycles?
Your hormones help control your periods, which is why visiting your hormone doctor may help if you notice changes in your menstrual cycle. Progesterone plays a pretty significant role in your cycles. After ovulation, when your body releases an egg for fertilization, your body begins to produce progesterone. This helps thicken the lining of your uterus to prepare for pregnancy. However, if you don’t become pregnant, then your body decreases your progesterone levels and your period begins. This part of your cycle, between ovulation and your period is called the luteal phase. This phase typically lasts between 12 and 16 days. By contrast, anything less than 11 days is considered abnormal and could be due to low progesterone levels.
However, progesterone isn’t just for pregnancy. Research shows that progesterone helps with bone health and may help you sleep better. Also, progesterone can help keep your estrogen levels in check to prevent health complications from too much estrogen. Therefore, if you notice that your periods are shorter than normal or starting to become irregular, your hormone doctor can help determine if your hormones are the cause.
If you also notice these other symptoms, you should also mention them to your hormone doctor:
- Spotting between periods
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Low libido
- Mood changes
- Headaches
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Frequent vaginal infections
These can all be signs of low progesterone, which can contribute to short or irregular periods.
The Role of Progesterone Replacement Therapy
If you do have low progesterone levels, your doctor may recommend progesterone replacement therapy. This treatment can help get your periods back in check, reduce symptoms, and help you feel better overall. Also, if your periods become irregular during the transition to menopause, your doctor may recommend bioidentical progesterone and estrogen to help reduce symptoms like hot flashes and mood changes to help you stay comfortable and feel great.
At HerKare, we provide advanced, personalized healthcare for women at every stage of life. We are a woman owned and managed clinic where women can feel heard and empowered to improve their health. Our physicians work with you to find treatment solutions based on your needs and lifestyle, whether you need help with diabetes management or testosterone replacement therapy. Schedule an appointment online today to address your symptoms and start an individualized treatment plan.
by SXHH Marketing | Nov 5, 2019 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
Low estrogen levels can leave you feeling poorly. Yet, before you are diagnosed, the confusion about why you’re suffering can be worse than dealing with your symptoms. Signs of low estrogen are often very similar to those of menopause. However, what many don’t realize is that you can be affected by low estrogen well before you enter perimenopause. Even women in their 20s and 30s may require hormone replacement therapy for many different reasons. If you suspect that you may have low estrogen levels, it’s important to see a doctor. A women’s health care provider can test your hormone levels and determine the best course of action to help you feel better.
What to look out for
Oftentimes, you may notice your mood changing before you have any physical symptoms. A few things to watch out for are unexplained irritability, depression, and mood swings. You might find that you just can’t seem to get out of bed, or even the smallest things get to you more easily than they used to. Feeling constantly tired and not being able to sleep are also clues that something isn’t quite right.
Some or all of these are typically paired with physical changes. Another sign that something is wrong is that your period becomes lighter or less frequent. Though your period may not be the most enjoyable experience, you should definitely question changes like lighter flow or irregular menstruation. Finally, you’re likely familiar with the next symptoms: hot flashes and night sweats.
Having even one of these symptoms can make life difficult. The bottom line is, if you are seeing sudden changes in your mood or body, you should visit your women’s health clinic. If you do have low estrogen, a doctor can help you find a solution to start feeling great again.
Causes
As we age, our estrogen production naturally slows down. However, in younger women, it is often caused by something else. Here are a few things that could cause low estrogen in younger women:
- Over-exercising
- Thyroid conditions
- Malnutrition
- Autoimmune conditions
Each of these issues is cause for concern on its own, so it is important that you visit a women’s health clinic if you think you are suffering from low estrogen. If you are, we can help you get the care you need, such as progesterone and estrogen replacement therapy. We will listen to everything you’re experiencing and take into account your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals to create a treatment plan for you. At the end of the day, both you and your doctor want you to feel your best.
If you are going through any of these symptoms, no matter what age you are, you should see a doctor. You shouldn’t have to give into your symptoms, and getting answers is a step toward feeling better. A physician at HerKare may be able to determine if you have a hormone imbalance and help you organize a treatment plan to keep you happy and healthy.
by SXHH Marketing | Jan 25, 2019 | Wellness
I will literally never forget the crash of hormones that follows the birth of a child – the Baby Blues, they say. It was day 4. My child was exactly 4 days old, and I could feel the hormones beginning to fall like a wave about to crest over me and smash me down onto the sand underneath. Only…there was nothing I could do to stop them. I couldn’t move out of the way or side step the hormones. I couldn’t take a special pill or eat a special diet to keep it from happening. That crash was coming, ready or not. And ready I was definitely not.
A hormonal imbalance and crash after the birth of a child is completely normal. Your hormones have been soaring for a solid 9 months, and even though there were some ups and downs, they mostly stayed fairly high. After the baby arrives, your body takes a few days, and then a signal is sent that tells your body to shut it down. No baby means no more high levels of hormones. The only problem is that your body doesn’t do this gradually. The hormones fall drastically, giving many women the sensation known as the baby blues.
The baby blues is the slight depression that follows the birth of a child. It’s not full on, hard core depression, but rather a negative or down feeling. Most women suffer through for a week or 2, and then the hormones begin to level out. The baby blues start to subside, and women begin to feel normal again. The important thing to remember with the baby blues is that it is normal, and for most women, it passes fairly quickly.
But, what happens when it doesn’t pass? What happens when the baby blues turn into the long term blues? When this happens, you can almost be certain that hormonal imbalances are at play. When the hormones are not in balance, it can cause a wide array of symptoms, one of which is a feeling of the blues or even full on depression. If your baby blues seem to be turning into long term depression, then your hormones are likely still imbalanced. They are not returning to normal levels as quickly as they should, and it is causing your body and mind to experience the blues.
If you find this happening to you, get help right away. The right treatment can turn hormonal depression around and stop it in its tracks. At HerKare, a treatment professional may be able to test your hormones, determine whether an imbalance is present, and get you an appropriate treatment plan. When your baby blues turn into depression, or you suspect a hormonal imbalance for any other reason, get to HerKare to let a physician help you today.
by SXHH Marketing | Jan 25, 2019 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
How many times have you thought to yourself, “Am I normal?” This question gets asked by most people pretty often. This is especially true when it comes to our bodies and general health. Something will happen and we immediately wonder whether or not our predicament falls within the normal range or whether we are just weird! Luckily, most of the time you can rest easy knowing that your current health situation is most likely normal.
Sometimes, however, even though it might be considered normal, it still isn’t something that you should live with. A great example of this is with our hormones. To find out whether your hormonal symptoms are normal, not so normal, or something that you just shouldn’t have to live with, check out these typical signs of an imbalance.
Turn Up the Heat
When your hormones are imbalanced, a great indicator is your body temperature. Many women that have hormonal problems suffer from some sort of temperature induced symptom. Night sweats and hot flashes are two of the most common. Whether you suddenly get so hot that you can’t stand it, or you wake up drenched in sweat, hormones might be to blame.
Fluctuating Weight
Another really, really frustrating symptoms is weight problems. On one end of the spectrum (and possible good news for some women!) is the potential for weight loss. Certain hormonal imbalances may trigger weight loss or the inability to gain weight. While this can seem like a dream come true, it is not the healthiest route to weight loss. On the opposite (and more frustrating!) end of the spectrum is weight gain. Many types of hormonal imbalances cause excessive weight gain or the inability lose. If you suddenly begin to gain weight, especially around the middle, with no apparent cause, hormones may be the ultimate culprit.
Mood Swings
Of course, you can’t go through a list of hormonal symptoms without mentioning mood swings. Excessive or strong mood swings may indicate a hormonal problem. If you feel stronger or more frequent changes in general moods or disposition, and especially if it gets in the way of everyday life, it may be beneficial to see if a hormonal problem is to blame.
Though these are not the only symptoms associated with a hormonal imbalance, they are some of the most common. If you think you may have a hormonal imbalance, don’t be afraid to get checked out. A physician at HerKare may be able to do that for you. Get your hormonal levels checked, and if a problem is present, let a treatment professional help you get a treatment plan just for you. Get to HerKare and get your hormonal problems under control so that you can feel happy and healthy again.
by SXHH Marketing | Jan 25, 2019 | Hormone Replacement Therapy, Wellness
When you think of a hormonal imbalance and the symptoms that may come with one, you probably imagine the big ones like mood swings that make you shudder or hot flashes that stop you in your tracks. While these can certainly be a symptom of hormonal imbalance, sometimes the symptoms are so slight that they go unnoticed. Take a look at these 2 common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance that often go ignored by women everywhere.
Fatigue
Extreme fatigue is often one of the first symptoms of a hormonal imbalance. The problem is that many women feel tired all of the time. If they don’t feel tired, then they expect to feel tired in the near future. It’s almost a rite of passage into womanhood. Oh, you’re tired? Welcome to being a woman. With kids and spouses to look after, careers to build, houses to maintain, and then the endless community and other obligations, and it is no wonder that women think fatigue is normal. While a little bit of fatigue can be normal, don’t think that you have to be overly tired all of the time. You don’t. And what’s more, if you are exhausted literally all of the time, it is likely that there is more at play than a busy lifestyle.
Weight Gain
This is another thing that many women just expect. If you are gaining weight or adding just a little bit of extra padding around the middle, many women see it as a “normal” process of getting older. They believe that it is inevitable. The higher the age, the higher the number on the scale. While a little bit of muscle loss and fat gain might be relatively normal, especially if you don’t really watch your exercise habits and diet, excessive weight gain or weight that won’t budge even with maximum effort on your part may not be so normal. This might instead be an indication of hormones that are not working optimally.
If you suspect that you have a hormonal imbalance, whether from these 2 symptoms or others, get help at HerKare. A physician at HerKare may be able to diagnose whether or not you have a hormonal imbalance. If so, they can get a treatment plan just for you. With properly functioning hormones, you may find more energy and weight loss happen before you know it. Get to HerKare for the hormonal help you need.
