Hormones are naturally produced by the organs in our bodies and serve very specific and essential functions. These chemical messengers control things like healthy metabolism, growth, mood, sexual function, and reproduction.
Hormones make up the body’s endocrine system. That includes the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands, as well as the pancreas. They’re responsible for coordinating important functions in our organs—and just about every cell in our bodies for that matter.
The importance of hormones for a healthy, functioning body is clear. But what happens if hormone levels are imbalanced? And how can hormone therapy help?
Hormone Imbalances in Men and Women
Hormone imbalances can be caused by a variety of different factors, but the most common is age. As we get older, our hormone production levels change. So it’s normal to see a shortage in certain hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone.
About 80% of patients with hormone imbalances are women and 20% are men. This condition can impact just about anyone. However, symptoms are most commonly seen in individuals in their late thirties or older.
For men, this can compromise prostate and reproductive function. It can also cause noticeable drops in energy, mood, mental and physical performance, body composition, and libido. Testosterone is the primary hormone that builds muscle mass and bone density, maintains male sex organs and libido, and promotes mental sharpness. So, a decrease in testosterone can cause some significant side effects. Both progesterone and estrogen also play a role in men’s health.
Common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance in men include:
- Lower sex drive—including quality and frequency of erections
- Decreased bone density, strength, and/or muscle mass
- Lower energy
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
For women, hormonal imbalances can cause a significant change in menstrual cycles. This can lead to infertility or conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. For older women, decreased progesterone and estrogen can trigger their transition into perimenopause and menopause.
Common symptoms of a hormonal imbalance in women include:
- Mood swings, irritability, and anxiety
- Changes in breasts and/or menstrual cycles
- Headaches and migraines
- Brain fog
- Hot flashes and/or night sweats
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue or trouble sleeping
- Weight gain
- Vaginal dryness
How Hormone Therapy Can Help
Hormone therapy has been used for a variety of different conditions. It has even been used to treat hormone-fueled breast and prostate cancers. It works by blocking specific hormones or preventing certain hormone production.
However, most often, hormone imbalances are treated using bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. This kind of therapy helps patients experience relief from more common symptoms or conditions.
Bioidentical hormones are derived from plants and chemically identical to the hormones produced by the body. First, it’s important to eliminate the possibility of an underlying thyroid issue. After confirming there are no thyroid issues, bioidentical hormones can be administered in specific dosages based on an individual’s needs.
Bioidentical hormone therapy can be administered through topical creams or pressed powder pellets inserted under the skin. Additionally, these hormones can be taken long term and most notice improvement within a couple of weeks!
Most patients who undergo hormone replacement therapy enjoy better sleep, improved sexual health, increased energy, and more.
Hormone Therapy In Utah
Spring Creek Medical Center in Logan provides hormone balancing through bioidentical hormone replacement for both men and women.
Enjoy a happier, healthier, and overall better quality of life through treatment at Spring Creek Medical Center. It’s well within reach!
