What Are Hormones?

Hormones are chemical substances in our body which act as messengers.  Once the hormone attaches to its specific receptor site on a cell it sends a signal for a biochemical message to occur. For example, estrogen increases serotonin receptors in the brain helping with a healthy mood.  Progesterone prepares our uterine lining to prepare for a possible pregnancy. Testosterone helps with muscle growth and strength.

These and many more chemical reactions occur to keep our body healthy and feeling good. Balanced hormones are our “feel good factor”.

As we age, our hormones decline. However, one could also say that as our hormones decline, we age.

Importance of Well-Balanced Hormones

• Play a major role in our health and well being
• Rejuvenate, Regenerate and Restore our bodies
• Result in good energy levels, balanced mood, radiant skin, strong bones, a healthy cardiovascular system and mental clarity

Results of Hormonal Imbalance

• Often times, the underlying cause or contributor of many chronic illnesses including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia, Heart Disease, Autoimmune Disorders, Cancer, Osteoporosis, Hypothyroidism
• Negatively affects the systems of the body including reproductive, cardiovascular, nervous, immune, musculoskeletal, and circulatory systems
• “Don’t Feel Good”

Role of Female Hormones During Menstruating Life

• Play a major role in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, fertility, bone and cardiovascular health
• Imbalances can result in menstrual disorders such as PMS, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis
• Imbalances can also lead to problems such as breast cysts, migraines, fatigue, digestive problems, mood disorders and certain cancers

What is “Estrogen Dominance”

• This occurs when the normal ratio or balance of estrogen to progesterone is changed by either excess estrogen or inadequate progesterone
• Estrogen can be a potent and potentially dangerous hormone when not balanced by adequate progesterone levels
• Hallmark symptoms include weight gain, bloating, mood swings, irritability, tender breasts, headaches, fatigue, depression, hypoglycemia, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and fibrocystic breasts
• Treatment includes testing the hormone levels and either decreasing estrogen levels if to high or increasing progesterone levels if too low. This can be done through diet and lifestyle changes, improving body detox mechanisms, supplements, and/or bio-identical hormones.

How Do We Correct Hormone Imbalances?

• We work together to identify a personalized food and diet plan – for example certain foods can either raise or reduce estrogen levels.
• Targeted Exercise – certain types of exercise can boost estrogen and testosterone levels.
• Relaxation Therapy/Stress Management – better control of our stress hormone, cortisol, can help better regulate our male and female hormones.
• Personalized Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy tailored to your individual needs.
• Focused herbal and non-herbal supplements.
• Look for and correct the underlying causes of hormone imbalance.

Are Your Ready To Get Started?

Ready to rejuvenate your body,  restore your vitality and zest for life? Call us today and ask how our functional medicine physicians can help you with bioidentical hormone treatment.