Whether you think about them or not, hormones are constantly at work in your body. They are in charge of several bodily functions that allow us to go about our days normally while feeling healthy.
Unfortunately, hormones can become imbalanced, which can in turn affect your health and well-being. If you believe you’re struggling with a hormone imbalance, BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) may be right for you.
We offer BHRT treatment at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are critical to life and the healthy functioning of the human body. Hormones are chemicals that carry messages through the bloodstream to organs, muscles, skin, and other tissues, telling them what to do and how to do it.
There are over 50 hormones in your body. The endocrine system, encompassing many glands, creates and releases most hormones. Some of the essential glands in this system include the pituitary gland, thyroid, and adrenal glands.
Hormones play a vital role in everyday life and overall health. Keeping them balanced is key to staying healthy and feeling well.
What Is Hormone Imbalance?
Hormones must remain balanced. Once they become imbalanced, you may begin to feel sick, off, or not like yourself.
Hormones can become imbalanced in both women and men for several reasons. Some of the common causes of hormone imbalance include:
- Injury
- Stress
- Trauma
- Medication
- Eating disorders
- Cancer treatments
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Hyperthyroidism/hypothyroidism
Hormone imbalance can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Sudden weight gain or weight loss
- Increased or decreased heart rate
- Anxiety and/or depression
- Sensitivity to cold or hot
- Decreased sex drive
- Persistent fatigue
- Irritability
- Hair loss
It can be particularly difficult to pinpoint a hormone imbalance since causes and symptoms are so varied. However, certain diagnostic tests can determine whether you’re suffering from a hormone imbalance and which hormones you need more or less of.
Hormone Imbalance in Women
While women can suffer hormone imbalance of any kind, the most common hormones that are affected are the sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone.
Estrogen is one of the two sex hormones women primarily produce in the ovaries. It is responsible for reproductive health, including puberty and the menstrual cycle. Additionally, estrogen plays a part in:
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar
- Bone density
- Muscle mass
- Collagen production
Progesterone is the other important female sex hormone. It is commonly associated with pregnancy, as it is crucial for becoming pregnant and maintaining a pregnancy.
While testosterone is typically associated with males, women also produce a small amount of testosterone. Testosterone for women is important for:
- Mood
- Bone density
- Production of red blood cells
- Growth and repair of reproductive tissues
When any one of these three hormones becomes imbalanced, it can significantly affect a woman’s life. Hormone imbalance in women is often produced by any of the common causes but also aging and menopause.
Signs of Hormone Imbalance in Women
Along with the common symptoms of hormone imbalance, women may also suffer from:
- Acne
- Infertility
- Night sweats
- Mood swings
- Trouble sleeping
- Persistent headaches
- Irregular or heavy periods
Typically, signs of hormone imbalance depend on which hormone is affected and whether the body has too much or too little of that hormone.
Hormone Imbalance in Men
Men can also suffer from several types of hormone imbalance, but it is most often an imbalance of the sex hormone testosterone.
Testosterone serves many functions in men, including:
- Distributing fat
- Producing sperm
- Initiating puberty
- Regulating sex drive
- Maintaining bone mass
- Maintaining muscle mass and strength
Men’s testosterone can become imbalanced in numerous ways; however, most men suffer a decline in testosterone production with age. After age 30, men go through an average of 1% loss of testosterone per year. While diminished testosterone production is normal, a substantial decline can significantly affect a man’s health.
Signs of Hormone Imbalance in Men
Men typically exhibit the usual signs of hormone imbalance, along with:
- Infertility
- Loss of body hair
- Increased body fat
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased bone density and muscle mass
- Gynecomastia (increased breast tissue)
The symptoms of hormone imbalance in men are not only uncomfortable but they can also affect self-confidence and relationships.
What Is BHRT?
If you’re struggling with hormone imbalance, BHRT may be the right treatment to help you get your life back.
In bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, hormones are created to mimic the hormones the body naturally produces. “Bio” means “life,” and “identical” means “exactly alike.” Technically, these hormones are the same as the ones your body creates.
BHRT treatment gives you the hormones you need to restore balance. We can introduce these hormones into the body through any of the following means:
- Pills
- Gels
- Pellets
- Creams
- Patches
- Injections
The best method for you depends on your body, needs, and lifestyle. Regardless of the method you choose, BHRT can help you feel like yourself again, freeing you from the intolerable symptoms of hormone imbalance.
How Do You Know Whether BHRT Can Help You?
We’re happy to guide you through the hormone replacement process. First, we want to know the current state of your health and hormone levels. We’ll request a blood sample to analyze your hormones and determine whether you’re suffering from a hormone imbalance and which hormones are affected.
During your consultation, we’ll review your results and go over your medical history and health concerns. We can then make recommendations and tailor your treatment plan to fit your needs.
Take the First Step — Schedule a BHRT Consultation Today
If you believe you’re experiencing a hormone imbalance, we can help you get answers. Request a consultation at Zormeier Cosmetic Surgery & Longevity Center in Noblesville, IN, today.