Have you ever felt like something was off, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? Many people experience emotional and physical imbalances that can be linked to hormonal issues. That’s where a telehealth consultation at Balanced Bodies Anti-Aging Clinic in Lawrenceville, GA can help. We know that living with unbalanced hormones can make life feel overwhelming and out of control. Hormone replacement therapy could make all the difference.
How Soon Will You Get Results From Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Within just two to three weeks of starting treatment, you’ll start to notice some subtle improvements in your overall well-being. You’ll feel a boost in your mood, energy levels, mental focus, and even your libido. By the end of the second week, the bioidentical hormones will have started working to address the root causes of many of your symptoms.
Around eight to 12 weeks after starting treatment, you’ll begin to see the final results. These results will include improvements in a wide range of symptoms, like sexual dysfunction, hair loss, weight changes, and fatigue. By the 8-week mark, your hormone levels will have been corrected to such a degree that all your symptoms are being addressed, and you’ll experience a marked improvement in your quality of life.
What Is BHRT?
At our clinic, we use BHRT, or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Bioidentical hormones are molecularly identical to the ones your body naturally produces. They are derived from plant sources and are not synthetic, lab-made products with added proprietary molecular tags. Because of this, they work more efficiently within your body, which recognizes them and is ready to work with them just as with natural hormones.
We’ve seen firsthand the many benefits that bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) can offer. Patients who undergo this treatment often report an array of positive changes, including:
- Enhanced sex drive and improved sexual performance
- Better sleep quality
- Easier time getting and keeping muscle
- Increased energy levels
- Better focus and concentration
- More level mood
- Easier time losing weight and keeping it off
Personalization
Everyone has distinct requirements and needs, so hormone therapy cannot be a uniform solution for all. During your telehealth consultation, a medical professional from our team will explore the various methods for administering bioidentical hormones and help you think about what might be right for you.
Popular hormone delivery options include patches, pills, creams, injections, and subdermal pellets. The ideal dosing approach for you will be based on your unique therapeutic needs, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Getting Treatment: What’s It Like?
Easy Telehealth Consultation
Embarking on your journey starts with a consultation, and for those in the states of Georgia or Florida, this can happen as a telehealth discussion. You’ll share your family background, medical history, and personal experiences with us so we can better understand exactly what you’re suffering from and get a sense of what hormones might be in imbalance.
In some cases, it will be clear from symptoms and other medical history. In other cases, we may want to do hormone level testing, which reveals concrete data about your hormone levels. While symptoms might indicate possible hormonal imbalances, blood tests offer more exact measurements.
Personalized Treatment Strategy
Each individual’s hormonal needs are distinct, and your treatment plan should be, too. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment strategy that targets your specific concerns, and once the plan is finalized, we’ll initiate therapy. We’ll regularly monitor your progress to ensure that your hormone levels remain optimal and that you’re getting the results you expect. You can always contact us during this time with questions and concerns.
Who Should Seek Treatment?
Men and Andropause
As men age, they may experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels, commonly referred to as andropause or male menopause. Symptoms of andropause can include fatigue, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, and loss of muscle mass. Men who undergo BHRT often report increased energy, improved sexual function, and better mood stability.
Women and Menopause
Menopause, the natural biological process marking the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. This transition is characterized by hormonal fluctuations, which can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, vaginal dryness, and sleep disturbances.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can provide relief from these symptoms by replenishing the body’s declining hormone levels, particularly estrogen and progesterone. As a result, women often experience improved sleep, reduced hot flashes, and enhanced overall quality of life.
Hormonal Imbalances from Medication
Certain medications can cause hormonal imbalances, leading to unpleasant side effects. For instance, corticosteroids, commonly prescribed to treat inflammation, can result in hormone disruptions that cause symptoms like weight gain, mood swings, and weakened bones. Similarly, chemotherapy drugs can lead to temporary or permanent hormonal imbalances in both men and women.
Hormonal Imbalances from Illness
Several illnesses can trigger hormonal imbalances, including thyroid disorders, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and adrenal insufficiency. People with these conditions often experience symptoms such as weight gain, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, and fatigue. BHRT can offer symptom relief and improved well-being by restoring hormone levels to their optimal ranges.
Hormonal Imbalances from Accidents
Accidents and injuries can sometimes result in hormonal imbalances, particularly if they involve damage to hormone-producing glands, such as the pituitary, thyroid, or adrenal glands. For example, traumatic brain injuries can impact the pituitary gland, leading to imbalances in growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, or adrenal hormones.
Additional Candidates for BHRT
Apart from the groups mentioned above, several other types of people may benefit from bioidentical hormone therapy, including those with premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and hypogonadism.
Women who experience early menopause, or POI, due to genetic, autoimmune, or unknown factors may benefit from BHRT to manage menopausal symptoms and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Meanwhile, men with low testosterone levels due to genetic, medical, or lifestyle factors–hypogonadism–can undergo BHRT to alleviate symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, and mood swings.
Symptoms of an Imbalance
Unusual Fatigue
A lack of energy can be linked to imbalances in several hormones, including cortisol (the stress hormone), thyroid hormones, and insulin. Persistent tiredness can negatively impact your daily life, making it difficult to concentrate, work, or engage in leisure activities.
Mood Swings and Emotional Disturbances
Hormonal imbalances can significantly impact mood and emotional well-being. Fluctuations in hormone levels can cause mood swings, irritability, depression, and anxiety, and you should especially take notice if you see these symptoms when there’s no clear precipitating factor.
Unexplained Weight Changes
Changes in weight without any significant alterations to diet or exercise routines could be a sign of hormonal imbalances. Thyroid hormones, insulin, and cortisol play crucial roles in regulating metabolism and fat storage.
Sleep Disturbances
Hormonal imbalances can disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia, restless sleep, or excessive sleepiness. Melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles, can be affected by imbalances in other hormones, such as cortisol and estrogen. Additionally, imbalances in hormones related to stress and mood can make it challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.
Changes in Skin, Hair, and Nails
Acne, oily or dry skin, and skin rashes may all be linked to imbalances in androgens, estrogen, and cortisol. Hair loss, thinning, or changes in texture can be associated with imbalances in thyroid hormones or sex hormones. Similarly, brittle nails, ridges, or changes in nail growth may also be indicative of a hormonal imbalance.
Sexual Health Issues
Hormonal imbalances can cause a variety of reproductive and sexual health issues. In women, irregular periods, heavy or painful menstruation, extreme premenstrual syndrome (PMS) effects, infertility, and menopause symptoms may result from imbalances in estrogen and progesterone levels. In men, low testosterone levels can lead to erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and infertility.
Digestive Issues
Hormonal imbalances can also impact the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. This may be due to imbalances in cortisol or thyroid hormones, which can disrupt the normal function of the gastrointestinal tract.
Get Back to Feeling Like You
If you’re suffering from the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, it’s well worth getting things checked out. With easy telehealth consultations, it’s simple to get started. Contact us at Balanced Bodies Anti-Aging Clinic in Lawrenceville, GA today and get started on feeling like yourself again.
