Hormone issues can strike at any age, and when you’re suffering from an imbalance, it can affect everything you do. Our hormones are crucial to every system in the body, so when hormones aren’t balanced, other systems “act up.” At Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, we offer Hormone Therapy in Los Angeles with bioidentical hormones (BHRT) to both men and women and to adults of any age, as needed. But there are some ages where it’s more common to suffer from an imbalance.
What’s the Usual Age for Getting Hormone Therapy?
There is no “usual” age for getting Hormone Therapy in Los Angeles, as the need for treatment can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may begin experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalances in their 30s, while others may not experience any issues until they are in their 60s or older. However, certain age-related changes may increase the likelihood of experiencing hormonal imbalances.
For women, menopause is a common cause of hormonal imbalances. This natural process occurs when the ovaries stop producing eggs and levels of estrogen and progesterone decline. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can happen earlier or later for some individuals.
Similarly, male menopause, or andropause, is a process characterized by a decline in testosterone production, which can lead to symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, and muscle loss. Andropause can occur at any age but is most common in men over the age of 40.
Other Causes
Medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors can also increase the likelihood of experiencing hormonal imbalances. For example, people who have had surgery or radiation treatment for cancer may be more prone to these issues, as these treatments can affect hormone production. Similarly, obesity and poor nutrition can also play a role. Some of the medical conditions that can lead to an imbalance include:
Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism
The first occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism – the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, leading to symptoms like weight loss, rapid heart rate, and nervousness.
Cushing’s Syndrome
This condition happens when the body produces too much cortisol hormone, which can cause weight gain (especially around the face and trunk) and thinning skin.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
This hormonal disorder is common in women and is characterized by high levels of male hormones (androgens), irregular periods, and the development of small cysts on the ovaries.
Hypogonadism
This condition occurs when the gonads (testicles in men and ovaries in women) don’t produce enough hormones. In men, this can lead to low libido, fatigue, and muscle loss. In women, it can cause irregular periods, hot flashes, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Symptoms in Men
Hormonal imbalances can be the culprit behind a whole range of unpleasant symptoms in men, including low libido, constant fatigue, unexpected weight gain (especially around the waist), muscle loss, depression, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. A variety of factors can cause these symptoms, and not everyone experiences all of them. If you feel like something’s not quite right, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to figure out what’s going on and how to fix it.
So, how exactly do hormonal imbalances cause these pesky symptoms? It all comes down to the delicate balance of hormones in the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that help regulate various bodily functions, including metabolism, mood, and sexual function.
For example, low testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in libido and muscle mass, while high cortisol levels can cause weight gain and mood changes. It’s a bit like a symphony: when all the instruments are working together in harmony, everything sounds great. But when one section starts playing off-key, it throws the whole performance off.
Symptoms in Women
Hormonal imbalances can also cause a range of symptoms in women, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, difficulty sleeping, mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Hot flashes are sudden feelings of warmth that can spread over the body and are often accompanied by redness in the face and neck. Night sweats are similar, but they happen during sleep and can lead to waking up drenched in sweat.
Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort during sexual activity and make it more difficult to get pregnant. Difficulty sleeping can range from mild insomnia to more severe sleep disorders. Mood swings and irritability can range from mild to severe and can be caused by an imbalance of various hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Difficulty concentrating can make it hard to focus on tasks and can affect work and relationships.
All of these symptoms can be caused by hormonal imbalances, and they can be treated by restoring balance to the body’s hormones. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and they’re impacting your quality of life, it’s important to speak with us to determine the cause and find the best course of treatment.
What Is BHRT?
BHRT–bioidentical hormone therapy–is a treatment option that involves the use of hormones that are chemically identical to the ones naturally produced by the human body. People often prefer bioidentical hormones to traditional synthetic hormones because they’re more natural and have fewer side effects.
Bioidentical hormones are modified to match the structure of human hormones. After that, they’re compounded into various forms like creams, gels, patches, or pills that can be taken orally or applied to the skin. The specific type and dosage of bioidentical hormones will depend on your individual needs.
BHRT can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as menopause, andropause (male menopause), and conditions related to hormonal imbalances like hypothyroidism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
How It’s Different
When it comes to hormone therapy, there are two main options: bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and synthetic Hormone Therapy in Los Angeles. While both types of therapy can be effective in treating hormone imbalances, they differ in several ways. One key difference is the chemical structure of the hormones. Bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones produced by the human body, while synthetic hormones are not. This means that bioidentical hormones are more similar to the body’s natural hormones and may be more easily metabolized and used by the body.
Another difference is the source materials used to make the hormones. Bioidentical hormones are typically made from plant materials like soybeans or yams, while synthetic hormones are often made from animal sources or chemically synthesized in a laboratory. Another advantage of BHRT is the ability to customize the dosage and combination of hormones to meet the specific needs of each individual. This is not possible with synthetic hormones, which are available only in fixed doses. This customization may result in fewer side effects and better symptom relief for some people.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Hormone Therapy?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be an option for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalances, whatever their age. BHRT may be a good option for people who have tried other treatments without success or who cannot use or do not want to use traditional hormone therapy. It may also be an option for people who are concerned about the potential risks and side effects of traditional hormone therapy and prefer a more natural approach.
How Long Does It Take for Therapy to Work?
Good news – this therapy can help alleviate a variety of unpleasant symptoms caused by hormonal imbalances! While the length of time it takes to see results can vary, many people begin to feel better within a few weeks or months of starting treatment. It’s important to be patient and follow our treatment plan, and remember that Hormone Therapy in Los Angeles is a long-term solution.
If you’re not noticing an improvement in your symptoms after a reasonable amount of time, don’t hesitate to reach out to us to discuss any necessary adjustments. Remember, you deserve to feel your best, and BHRT can help get you there. We’ll keep monitoring your situation, too, and help you get the right results. We may make adjustments along the way, of course, and that’s because this is a personalized treatment.
Get Back to Feeling Like Yourself
If hormone imbalances have made you feel like you hardly know yourself anymore, it doesn’t matter what age you are. Come talk to us at At Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA right away. We can help!
