Hormonal imbalances can dramatically affect the way you feel, from tanking your energy levels to increasing your waistline. Unfortunately, every woman will experience a hormonal imbalance at one time or another during their life. And according to research, 43% of women will have hormone-related symptoms that dramatically affect their quality of life.
You may not be able to ensure your hormones always stay where they’re supposed to, but you can take steps to reduce the severity of your symptoms when your hormones fluctuate. That’s where bio-identical hormone replacement therapy comes in.
So what bio-identical hormone replacement treatments are available for women, and are they right for you? In this blog, we’ll explore the risks of untreated hormonal imbalances, potential treatment options, and who the ideal candidate for BHRT is.
The Symptoms Of Hormonal Imbalances In Women
Hormones are chemical messengers responsible for ensuring your body functions the way it should. Everything from your metabolism to your digestion to your reproductive system depends on the right amount of each hormone.
There are over 50 hormones in the body, all of which can fluctuate due to a number of factors, including stress, diet, age, medication, sleep deprivation, diabetes, thyroid and endocrine gland problems, PCOS, and more.
For women, the hormones that most commonly become imbalanced are estrogen and testosterone. The symptoms you experience depend on which hormone you don’t have enough of (or have too much of).
Signs of low estrogen in women can include:
- Vaginal dryness and pain during sex
- Loss of sexual interest
- Brittle bones and bone loss
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Mood swings, irritability, and depression
- Difficulty focusing and memory issues
- Poor sleep quality and fatigue
- Weight gain, particularly around the belly
Signs of low testosterone in women can include:
- Low sex drive
- Fatigue and sleep problems
- Decreased muscle tone and strength
- Vaginal dryness
- Depression and anxiety
- Thin hair and hair falling out
- Dry skin
- Problems falling asleep or staying asleep
Perimenopause and menopause both cause the production of these hormones to decrease. As a result, you can start experiencing these symptoms as soon as your 30s.
What Health Problems Can Be Caused By Untreated Hormonal Imbalances?
For many women, the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance can be frustrating. They can keep you from feeling like yourself or living your best life. But there are additional risks to hormonal imbalances you should keep in mind if you suspect you may have one.
Low estrogen and testosterone are related to several health problems, some of which can be serious. These can include:
- Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, and infertility
- Acne
- Osteoporosis
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Bladder leakage
If you are experiencing symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, it’s always a good idea to bring up your concerns to your doctor. The sooner your hormone balance is restored, the better.
What Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bio-identical hormones are plant-based hormones made to be identical to the ones produced naturally by your body. The result? Your body treats them the same way as the estrogen and testosterone it makes. This can be especially beneficial for anyone experiencing a mild, moderate, or severe hormone imbalance.
Most bio-identical hormones are FDA-approved. The ones that are not FDA-approved are custom-made by pharmacists based on your specific bloodwork and hormone levels. The personalized treatments cannot be regulated as the dosage is unique. However, these treatments often have fewer side effects.
Bio-identical hormones come in a variety of forms, including pellets, creams, and pills. At The Resurge Clinic, we prefer pellets because of the convenience and long-lasting results.
The Types Of Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Women
Estradiol Pellet Therapy
If you are 30 or older and experiencing the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, chances are your estrogen levels are lower than they should be. Estrogen isn’t just essential for your reproductive system. Estrogen receptors are also found in the heart, brain, bones, joints, skin, eyes, urinary tract, and even your teeth.
Estrogen therapy is recommended any time your estrogen levels are lower than they should be. This can include perimenopause or the start of menopause. Not only does starting estrogen therapy sooner reduce the severity of your symptoms during menopause, but it can have some significant health benefits. Studies have shown using estrogen hormone replacement therapy for 10 years can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease by 52% and all-cause mortality by 43%.
Testosterone Pellet Therapy
Before menopause, a woman’s body produces three times as much testosterone as estrogen. That amount drastically decreases as the body stops ovulating. Low-dose testosterone pellet therapy is often recommended for women during and post-menopause. However, any woman with low testosterone levels can benefit from treatments.
On its own, testosterone pellet therapy will treat the symptoms of a testosterone imbalance, but combined with estrogen replacement therapy, it can have even more benefits. One study found a combination of the two resulted in:
- Enhanced sexual desire and pleasure
- Fewer muscle aches and joint pain
- Improved cognitive function and memory
- Better mood, motivation, and energy levels
- Improved ability to handle stress and manage emotions
Is Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Right For You?
Some women are cautious about starting bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, especially with all the misconceptions about treatments floating around online. But the good news is hormone pellet treatments are a low-risk, well-tolerated procedure safe for a majority of women.
A small percentage of patients can experience a skin infection, bleeding, or pain as a result of their pellet treatment. Others may notice mood changes, headaches, breast tenderness, and fluid retention during the first couple of weeks after treatment. These side effects typically go away on their own.
Most women experience no side effects at all from bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. If you experience any bothersome side effects from your treatments, your doctor can adjust your hormone level dosages. This helps ensure you get the most benefits with the least amount of discomfort.
There are a few instances when bio-identical hormone replacement therapy isn’t recommended. These include anyone:
- With a history of a blood clotting or bleeding disorder
- Who has suffered from a stroke in the past
- With liver problems or cirrhosis
- With active, invasive breast cancer
Don’t Let Your Hormones Hold You Back
Whether you’re in your 30s, 60s, or anywhere in between, you shouldn’t have to worry about your hormones keeping you from feeling like yourself. If you believe you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance, schedule an appointment with a trusted medical professional to see if bio-identical hormone replacement therapy could be right for you.
The Resurge Clinic is dedicated to helping women in the DFW area feel strong, vibrant, and energetic regardless of their age. Our bio-identical hormone replacement treatments have helped hundreds of patients restore hormone balance, replenish their physical and sexual health, and enhance their quality of life.
If you live in North Texas and are ready to fight back against hormonal imbalances, schedule your consultation today.
