Why Hormone Therapy?
Hormones are amazing. They are small molecules that are derived from essential fatty acids and tiny amounts of them can initiate a cascade of wide reaching changes in the body. Hormones are responsible for the long, slow changes the body undergoes like growth, puberty, metabolism, reproduction and reverse puberty (perimenopause, menopause and andropause). There are hormones that are in charge of the stress response and for resolving the stress response.
It is very common to have hormonal imbalances. In part because the world we live in has a shocking amount of ‘endocrine disruptors,’ chemicals that are used for other purposes, but have a side effect of disrupting our hormonal pathways. Some medications will also disrupt hormones as will many common lifestyle habits.
Hormonal imbalances can manifest through a wide range of symptoms, affecting various aspects of physical and mental health. Since hormones regulate many bodily functions, even slight imbalances can lead to noticeable changes. Hormones fluctuate in people of all genders and we can all be impacted by hormonal disruptions.
Here are some common symptoms of hormonal imbalances:
General Symptoms
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness that doesn't improve with rest can indicate hormonal issues.
Weight Gain or Loss: Unexplained changes in weight can be linked to thyroid hormone imbalances, insulin resistance, or cortisol levels.
Changes in Appetite: Increased or decreased appetite can be a sign of hormonal changes affecting metabolism.
Headaches and migraines
Body aches and non-traumatic frozen shoulder
Reproductive Health Symptoms
Infertility: Difficulty conceiving can be related to imbalances in reproductive hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and luteinizing hormone.
Low Libido: Reduced sex drive can be caused by imbalances in estrogen, testosterone, or other sex hormones.
Mental Health Symptoms
Mood Swings: Hormonal imbalances can lead to rapid and extreme changes in mood.
Anxiety and Depression: Persistent feelings of anxiety or depression can be linked to hormonal fluctuations, particularly involving cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones.
Difficulty Concentrating: Brain fog or trouble focusing can be a symptom of thyroid issues or other hormonal imbalances.
Skin and Hair Symptoms
Acne: Hormonal fluctuations can cause acne outbreaks, particularly around the chin and jawline.
Hair Loss: Thinning hair or hair loss can be a sign of imbalances in thyroid hormones, androgens, or estrogen.
Excessive Hair Growth: Hirsutism, or unwanted hair growth, particularly in women, can be caused by elevated levels of androgens.
Digestive Symptoms
Digestive Issues: Bloating, constipation, or diarrhea can be linked to hormonal imbalances affecting gut function.
Food Cravings: Intense cravings for specific foods, particularly sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods, can be related to insulin resistance or cortisol levels.
Metabolic Symptoms
Changes in Blood Sugar Levels: Insulin resistance or imbalances in glucagon can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms like hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.
Hot Flashes and Night Sweats: These are common symptoms of menopause but can also occur with other hormonal imbalances.
Sleep Disturbances
Insomnia: Difficulty falling or staying asleep can be linked to imbalances in cortisol, melatonin, or thyroid hormones.
Restless Sleep: Frequent waking during the night or non-restorative sleep can be a symptom of hormonal issues.
Other Symptoms
Bone Health: Osteoporosis or decreased bone density can result from imbalances in estrogen or testosterone.
Muscle Weakness: Hormonal imbalances, particularly involving thyroid hormones, can lead to muscle weakness or joint pain.
Temperature Sensitivity: Feeling unusually cold or hot can be a sign of thyroid hormone imbalances.
Gender-Specific Symptoms
Women:
Irregular or Painful Periods: Changes in menstrual cycle length, missed periods, or unusually heavy or light periods can suggest hormonal imbalance.
PMS and PMDD: Severe premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) can be related to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels.
Menopausal Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and excess hair growth.
Men:
Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can be linked to low testosterone levels. However, it is possible to have hormone imbalances without any erectile dysfunction symptoms.
Gynecomastia: The development of breast tissue in men can result from an imbalance between estrogen and testosterone.
Hormonal imbalances can have far-reaching effects on health and well-being. Recognizing the symptoms is the first step towards seeking appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, consulting a knowledgeable healthcare provider is crucial to identifying and addressing any underlying hormonal issues. Supportive lifestyle treatments in combination with herbs, supplements or Biodentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT)* can make a significant impact on not only how you feel, but on how you age.
*Hormone Therapy or HRT commonly denotes synthetic or animal derived hormones. These compounds can and do interact with our hormone receptors, but frequently have wildly different outcomes when used as treatment.
BHRT refers to Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy which is plant derived compounds that are identical to our own hormones in all three dimensions.
Dr. Roz Donovan is a graduate of National University of Natural Medicine, with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. Throughout her doctoral studies, Dr. Donovan received hands-on training from herbalists and a botanist, while also interning in mental health, environmental medicine, pediatrics and general medicine. Her advanced training mentorships focused on traumatic brain injury, mental health disorders and gastrointestinal health.
Dr. Donovan’s blog posts are for educational purposes only and are not intended as medical advice. Please consult with your health care practitioner for personalized guidance.
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