As we age, our bodies go through many changes. We may not feel as energetic as we once did. We may notice that our skin isn’t as elastic as it used to be. We may even begin to experience hot flashes or night sweats. At Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA, we offer hormone therapy to help relieve the symptoms of menopause and andropause, as well as help improve our overall sense of well-being.
Who Is a Candidate for BHRT?
Women Who Are Going Through Menopause
Many women going through menopause are good candidates for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This treatment can provide relief from the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal atrophy, and low libido. The ovaries produce less and less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone as a woman enters menopause. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy works by replacing the hormones that are no longer being produced by the ovaries.
In addition to providing relief from menopausal symptoms, hormone therapy can also help reduce the risk of osteoporosis and heart disease. Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It is often associated with a lack of estrogen. By replacing the estrogen that is no longer being produced by the ovaries, the treatment can help prevent osteoporosis.
Men Who Are Going Through Andropause
Andropause is a time in a man’s life when his testosterone levels begin to decline. The decline in testosterone levels is gradual, happening over the course of several years. For most men, this transition occurs around the age of 50. This transition can cause a variety of changes and symptoms, which is why many men experiencing andropause are good candidates for the treatment. There are several different signs of andropause, including:
1. Low Libido
A decreased sex drive is one of the first signs of andropause. Testosterone plays a big role in libido, so as levels decline, so does your desire for sex.
2. Erectile Dysfunction
Along with low libido, erectile dysfunction (ED) is another common symptom of andropause. When you have low testosterone levels, you’re more likely to experience ED.
3. Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time is another common sign that your testosterone levels are dipping. If you’re finding it harder to get out of bed in the morning or you’re struggling to make it through the day without feeling exhausted, low testosterone could be to blame.
4. Mood Changes
Andropause can also lead to mood swings and irritability. If you find yourself getting angry more easily or you’re feeling down for no reason, these could be warning signs that your testosterone levels are decreasing.
5. Weight Gain
Increased weight gain is another symptom associated with andropause. Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass, so when levels decline, you may start to notice an increase in body fat percentage.
If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s worth talking to us about hormone replacement therapy. This therapy can help alleviate the symptoms of andropause by replacing the testosterone that your body is no longer producing on its own.
Women Who Have Had a Hysterectomy
Hysterectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus. It may also involve the removal of the ovaries. A hysterectomy may be performed as a treatment for cancer, adenomyosis, endometriosis, uterine prolapse, or fibroids. In some cases, it may be considered a preventive measure against future problems. The decision to have a hysterectomy is typically made after other treatment options have been considered and found to be unsuccessful. The surgery can be performed either vaginally or laparoscopically.
The type of procedure used will depend on the reason for the hysterectomy, as well as the woman’s overall health and medical history. While a hysterectomy can be a life-saving surgery, it can also have a significant impact on a woman’s hormones and health. For example, after a hysterectomy, a woman no longer produces estrogen and may experience symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood swings.
Patients Who Are Experiencing Anxiety and Depression
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, anxiety and depression are the most common mental disorders in the United States. Anxiety and depression are two separate but closely related disorders. Anxiety is characterized by feelings of worry, nervousness, and fear. Depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness.
Both disorders can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and muscle aches. If left untreated, anxiety and depression can lead to serious problems such as substance abuse, social isolation, and even suicide. Thankfully, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can provide relief from the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How HRT Can Help Improve Anxiety and Depression Symptoms?
Hormone replacement therapy can be an effective treatment for anxiety and depression because it balances hormones that play a role in mood regulation. When levels of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid hormone become balanced, it can lead to improved symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Patients Who Are Unable To Lose Fat and Build Muscle
If you’re someone who has been struggling to lose fat and build muscle despite diet and exercise, you may be a good candidate for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This treatment is particularly helpful for patients who are unable to lose fat and build muscle due to imbalances in their hormones. These hormone imbalances could be caused by:
Age-Related Hormonal Decline
As we age, our bodies produce less and less of the hormones that are responsible for helping us lose fat and build muscle. This age-related hormonal decline can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Stress
Stress can also play a role in preventing weight loss. When we’re stressed, our bodies release the hormone cortisol, which tells our cells to hold onto fat. This can make it difficult to lose weight, even if we’re eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Hormone therapy can help to reduce stress levels and promote weight loss.
Low Thyroid Function
The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. When the thyroid isn’t functioning properly, it can slow down metabolism and make it difficult to lose weight or gain muscle mass.
Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn’t respond properly to insulin, which is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When insulin resistance occurs, blood sugar levels rise and the body holds onto fat rather than burning it for energy. Hormone replacement therapy can help to improve insulin sensitivity and promote weight loss.
Patients Who Are Experiencing Insomnia
If you’re one of the millions of Americans struggling with insomnia, you may be looking for relief in all the wrong places. Sleeping pills may help you get some shut-eye, but they come with a host of side effects, from dependence to memory loss. That’s why more and more people are turning to hormone therapy to help with their insomnia. By replenishing your body’s supply of these hormones, BHRT helps regulate your sleep cycles and ease your insomnia.
Consultation
At Optimal Health and Wellness, we offer consultation for bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for all our guests in Pasadena and the surrounding areas. During your consultation, we will ask you about your medical history, current health concerns, and goals for treatment. We will also perform a physical exam and order any necessary lab tests.
Once we have all of the information we need, we will discuss the risks and benefits of BHRT with you so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for you. If you decide to go ahead with the therapy, we will develop a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve optimal health and wellness.
Post-Treatment
Get Your Hormone Levels Checked
In some cases, imbalances in hormones can be resolved without resorting to hormone therapy. However, if you decide to go ahead with the treatment, knowing your baseline hormone levels will help you get a better sense of what’s going on with your hormones and whether or not they are within a healthy range.
Be Patient
It can take several weeks or even months for hormone levels to reach their ideal balance. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see results right away; they will come in time.
Be Mindful of Your Diet and Exercise Habits
In addition to showing up for your follow-up appointments, there are other things you can do to maximize your BHRT results. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly will help keep your hormones in balance and improve your overall health.
Feel Your Best in Your Everyday Life!
BHRT is an effective treatment for those suffering from symptoms of hormone imbalances such as menopause, andropause, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. If you think you may be a candidate for the treatment, contact Optimal Health and Wellness in Pasadena, CA today to schedule a consultation.
