Hormones are chemicals produced by the glands in the endocrine system and secreted into the bloodstream. They are crucial in regulating many processes within the body, including sleep cycles, reproductive cycles, body temperature, mood, and metabolism. If there is even a slight imbalance or disruption in your hormone levels, whether too much or too little, it can have a noticeable impact on your health and wellbeing. Fortunately, we offer hormone therapy that can help regulate your body’s hormone levels and get you feeling like yourself again.
What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?
Bioidentical hormones are chemically made identical in molecular structure to the hormones the body naturally produces, including estrogen, thyroid, progesterone, and testosterone. In Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, these man-made hormones are used in women whose hormone levels drop or become imbalanced to counteract the associated negative effects. This treatment can come in various forms, such as patches, creams, pills/pellets, gels, and injections.
It has been shown to assist with a number of conditions, such as:
- Menopause or perimenopause (the transition period leading to menopause)
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoporosis
- Certain adrenal and thyroid conditions (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
- Endometriosis
- Postpartum depression (PPD)
- Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
In addition to alleviating the symptoms of a hormone imbalance and assisting with certain conditions, hormone replacement therapy may also decrease your risk for diabetes, cataracts, and osteoporosis. Even some evidence suggests that hormone therapy has benefits for the skin, including increased thickness, improved elasticity, and a reduction in wrinkles.
Symptoms of Low Hormone Levels in Women
Hormone levels naturally fluctuate during certain life stages, more noticeably with women during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation cycles, and menopause. However, they can also shift due to health conditions and life choices, including certain medications, obesity, health conditions, extreme stress, or a poor diet. What’s important is to notice the symptoms of a hormone imbalance to receive the appropriate treatment to restore balance and overall wellbeing to the body.
Specifically, women with low hormone levels may be experiencing several symptoms, many of which may be interfering with their day-to-day lives.
Indications of low hormone levels may include:
- Trouble concentrating
- Shifts in mood
- Hot flashes
- Breast tenderness or pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Irregular or painful menstrual cycles
- Sexual dysfunction
- Unexplained weight gain
- Skin problems, such as acne
- Fertility issues
- Weak bones
At San Antonio Integrated Healthcare, we use specific blood tests that analyze designated hormone levels. From there, we can help you implement a hormone therapy plan that will work for your unique conditions and needs.
Call us today at (210) 341-5591 to see if you are a candidate for hormone therapy, to get more information, or have your hormone levels tested.