Hormone imbalances don’t discriminate—this is something females of all ages can suffer from. While each case is unique, many women are united in their symptoms and discomfort.
The good news is, there are women’s health treatment options available and they can provide significant results.
To better understand the benefits of natural hormone replacement therapy, let’s take a brief look at how hormones typically function in the female body. Also, how treatment works to correct imbalances.
An Overview Of The Female Menstrual Cycle
The female body is both fascinating and complex. Hormones are central to a “normal” monthly menstrual cycle that lasts between 24 to 35 days. Although, it’s not uncommon for a woman’s cycle to be longer or shorter.
A menstrual cycle is the result of a series of interactions between the pituitary gland in the brain and the ovaries. Each month, female hormones trigger in specific sequences to prepare the body to support a pregnancy. So if a female egg isn’t fertilized, menstruation (or a period) occurs. The length of a woman’s cycle is determined by the number of days from the first day of a period to the first day of the next.
Day one of the menstrual cycle is classified as the first day of bleeding. On day one, estrogen and progesterone hormone levels are low and signal the pituitary gland to produce Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). A follicle is a fluid-filled sac in the ovary containing an egg and FSH starts the process of its maturation.
As the follicle matures, it produces more estrogen and prepares the uterus for a possible pregnancy. Around days 12-14, the increased estrogen levels trigger a rise in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland. This causes the egg to release from the follicle—otherwise known as ovulation.
The ruptured follicle then secretes progesterone and estrogen in preparation for pregnancy. If fertilization doesn’t happen, these levels drop and a period occurs. Then the cycle starts all over again.
Causes And Symptoms Of Female Hormonal Imbalance
Because each female body is different, and several hormones working together, understanding the menstrual cycle is key to understanding hormonal imbalance. Symptoms are often the result of either too much or not enough of one or more hormones.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an increasingly common disorder among women. PCOS isn’t necessarily a problem with the ovaries, but with the pituitary gland. It struggles to release the right hormones in the right amount and in the right sequence. PCOS is a complex disorder with a variety of different symptoms. Some of the more common symptoms include weight gain, acne, male patterned hair growth, and infertility. Many women with PCOS are able to see positive results with hormone therapy.
During perimenopause, hormone levels fluctuate. Women experience fewer ovulations and periods because less progesterone is produced during the menstrual cycle. During menopause, estrogen is no longer produced by the ovaries at all. Although it’s still produced in other areas of the body. This drop in estrogen and progesterone can cause a variety of symptoms that occur at different intensities and intervals. Including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood and sleep pattern changes.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
At Spring Creek Medical Center, we work to restore hormones to a healthy balance based on each individual. The primary method we use for treatment is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy. Here’s why.
Bioidentical hormones are a plant based, natural solution and are bioidentical to those produced in the body. They’re made from plant estrogens rather than synthetic hormones. These hormones can be applied in a variety of ways. They include creams that are absorbed through the skin, pellet powders inserted just under the skin, injections, patches, or gels.
BHRT can really help women in perimenopause or menopause. It helps by increasing hormone levels to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, sleep issues, low libido, and a variety of other symptoms. Studies show that BHRT has even been found to reduce your risk for diabetes, wrinkles, and improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Those with cancer who undergo treatments that affect their estrogen levels have also used BHRT to improve their quality of life. One study found that cancer patients who underwent BHRT found relief from a variety of symptoms including migraines, low libido, incontinence, and insomnia.
However, BHRT does come with risks like blood clots and stroke, although these are extremely rare. The medical professionals at Spring Creek Medical Center can prescribe the best hormone replacement therapy for your specific case, and monitor you regularly to make any necessary adjustments based off of your body’s response.
Women’s Health Treatment In Logan, Utah
Our goal at Spring Creek Medical Center is to help you experience greater quality of life. That’s why we offer women’s health treatment that is tailor made for you.
Request an appointment at our Logan, Utah office to get started! We look forward to meeting you.
