It's all about balance!

Hormone imbalance can start early in life with issues such as PCOS, infertility, or endometriosis. However, hormone issues may also start a little later with perimenopause and menopause. No matter the time of onset we are here to address those concerns for you.

Too much estrogen, or "estrogen dominance", can contribute to things like PMS, heavy and painful menstrual cycles, irritability and anxiety, breast tenderness and cysts, endometriosis, weight gain, migraines and more. Too little estrogen can cause issues with breast drooping, vaginal dryness and pain with sex, dry skin and eyes, loss of hair volume, and increase the risk of musculoskeletal sprains and strains and loss of muscle mass, and fatigue.

Too much progesterone can cause water retention and can also cause all of the symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency. Too little progesterone can cause issues with sleep, anxiety, uterine fibroids, breast and ovarian cysts, and overlaps with many of the estrogen excess symptoms.

Testosterone replacement in women can be a very useful to help regain energy, stamina, libido and prevent osteopenia or osteoporosis. However, too much testosterone can contribute to issues such as PCOS, excessive body and facial hair growth, and can lead to issues like weight gain, elevations in blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Low levels of testosterone in women contribute to loss of muscle mass, low sex drive, infrequent or absent orgasms, and increased anxiety.

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all have been found to be neuroprotective, improve skin quality, and have a positive impact on bone density.

Balance is key!!

Hormone levels begin to decline between the ages of 30 and 40. Other factors such as diet, lifestyle, and maintaining a healthy weight can impact hormone levels as well. One factor that many do not consider when evaluating hormones is a history of playing contact sports. Mild concussive events can negatively impact hormones months, and even years after the injury!

There are things to consider when evaluating hormone deficiencies in men such as: Are they finished with creating a family or do they wish to have children? Traditional testosterone replacement (TRT) can negatively impact sperm production, so you would want to explore other methods for raising the testosterone level if possible.

Some of the symptoms of testosterone deficiency or "low T" are accelerated aging, loss of muscle and tone, dry eyes, increased risk of hemorrhoids, slumped or fragile appearance, increased anxiety, enlarged prostate, decreased sex drive and loss of strength of erections, hot flushes, and increased risk of depression. Too much testosterone can thicken the blood and lead to increased sweating, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. This is why therapy should be monitored appropriately and ALL medications and supplements be reported to your provider managing your TRT.

Other hormones are important to evaluate when evaluating for testosterone deficiency or considering replacement. Estradiol is important for memory in men, but in low amounts. Too much estrogen in men can increase the risk of prostate issues and cardiovascular disease. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and is important to evaluate when testosterone levels are low. Low DHEA levels when replaced can help wo raise testosterone, however too much DHEA can oily skin and hair, acne, male pattern hair loss, excess body hair growth, and elevation in blood pressure.

Balance is key!!