Five Signs the Body Shows When Hormones Are Unbalanced
9/29/2022
Many people are surprised to learn just how many of the body’s natural processes are controlled or regulated by our hormones. With this in mind, it is easier to understand how and why a hormone imbalance may be so disruptive to your life. At Women’s Medical Group of Upland, board-certified OB/GYN and wellness expert Dr. Thomas Terence Easter helps men and women in the Upland/Claremont, CA area get relief from the symptoms of andropause and menopause and feel more like themselves again with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). Here, we’ll discuss five of the most common signs that may mean your hormones are unbalanced, and we’ll explain how BHRT may be beneficial for you.
How do I know if my hormones are low?
Everyone’s hormones go through periods of fluctuation – like during puberty or pregnancy, for example – but some patients experience unexpected deficiencies or changes in their hormones for other reasons. Stress, poor nutrition, and underlying medical conditions can all impact a person’s hormone levels. Perhaps the most common hormone-related conditions are menopause and andropause, which refer to the natural decline in the production of estrogen in women and testosterone in men that occurs later in life. If you’re age 40 or older and are experiencing any of the following five common symptoms of menopause or andropause, you may be a candidate for BHRT.
1. Mood changes
Both men and women tend to experience a change in their overall mood and demeanor around the time of andropause or menopause. Many patients report increased anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Difficulty focusing and “brain fog” are also common symptoms of hormone imbalance.
2. Low energy
Fatigue and low energy levels are also typical in patients with hormone deficiencies and those patients going through menopause or andropause.
3. Sexual dysfunction
One of the most frequent complaints regarding andropause and menopause is a change in overall sexual wellness. For men, erectile dysfunction and low libido are commonly associated with low testosterone during and after andropause. Women tend to develop vaginal dryness, decreased sexual sensations, and a lack of interest in sex during and after menopause.
4. Weight gain
Unwanted weight gain and weight loss resistance are seen in both men and women as a result of hormone changes. Men also tend to lose muscle mass, while women often lose bone density.
5. Hair loss
Both men and women can develop thinning hair, hair loss, and baldness as they reach andropause or menopause. Some women also begin to have unwanted facial hair growth.
How does BHRT work?
If you believe that your symptoms may be related to low hormone levels, unbalanced hormones, or menopause/andropause, BHRT may be helpful for you. BHRT involves custom-compounded hormones made from plant-based ingredients that are designed to identically mimic the body’s naturally occurring hormones. BHRT can be delivered via pellet, oral medication, cream, and other methods based on the patient’s preference and needs.
Following a thorough initial consultation and lab work, Dr. Easter will recommend the most appropriate BHRT dosage and delivery method for you. Most patients notice an improvement in their symptoms in as little as 2 – 3 weeks after treatment begins, and Dr. Easter will monitor your progress with regular follow-up appointments to re-administer the medication and make dose adjustments if necessary. With ongoing BHRT treatment and a healthy lifestyle, men and women can finally overcome the unwanted symptoms of andropause or menopause and begin enjoying all that life has to offer once again.
Feeling like you don’t recognize yourself these days? Consider BHRT in Upland, CA
If the symptoms of menopause or andropause are interfering with your daily life and preventing you from feeling fulfilled, you are not alone. Take the first step toward feeling more like yourself again by calling Women’s Medical Group of Upland to schedule your private consultation for BHRT with board-certified OB/GYN Dr. Thomas Terence Easter today.