Menopause and Hormonal Imbalance

The Problem

Menopause and Hormonal Imbalance

In the years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), menstrual cycles that may once have been like clockwork start to become erratic. As a result, our hormonal balance becomes significantly altered leading to highs and lows in estrogen and progesterone, an effect many women describe as an emotional roller coaster.

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms?

foggy thinking

lack of libido

tired but wired

hot flashes

mood swings

weight gain

depression

PMS

Bloating

Palpitations

Difficulty sleeping

Vaginal dryness

Weird dreams

Ankle, knee, wrist and shoulder pains

Don’t let anyone tell you it’s all in your head! When the ovaries begin to sputter, hormone production sputters and so do we. Forgetfulness and foggy thinking, mental confusion and mood swings are hallmark symptoms for many women; as are hot flashes and night sweats, tearfulness, unwanted weight gain, thyroid problems and declining interest in sex, no matter how much we love our partners. Of course, not all women experience these symptoms. As individuals, we each have our own unique biochemistry. It is common to experience some degree of discomfort during the menopausal years. The degree to which we experience discomfort is likely to be associated with the degree to which our hormones are out of balance.

 

Here’s the good news. Women do not need to suffer through menopause unnecessarily. Help is available!

 

Natural (Bio-identical) Hormones

Natural or “bio-identical” hormones (BHRT) are synthesized from natural plant substances to be identical in structure and function to those our bodies produced naturally before menopause. When hormone production starts to drop below normal levels in the years leading up to menopause, natural hormones are the best and safest way for women to supplement.

They are available by prescription and tailor made to meet an individual’s needs by a compounding pharmacist. Some natural hormones are available over-the-counter but it is always wise to research first. Please note: Progesterone, not progestin, is the natural bio-identical form of the hormone as opposed to progestin, the synthetic version. Bio-identical estrogen and progesterone are custom made by compounding pharmacists.

When hormone balance is restored and maintained using natural bio-identical hormones, there are far fewer side effects, symptoms and cancers as compared with synthetic HRT. Following natural physiology as closely as possible makes sense, because natural hormones have undergone extensive safety trials.

At AlexaMD, we are experts in balancing the intricate hormonal symphony. The combination of Internal Medicine and Functional Medicine incorporates nutrition, exercise, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and bio-identical hormone replacement specifically designed for each patient. The goal is to enhance longevity while allowing patients to live their happiest, most fulfilling, productive lives.  Functional medicine provides an innovative approach to the traditional practice of prescribing medications to address various symptoms and disease processes.

Dr. Henderson is board certified in Internal and Functional Medicine. In addition to incorporating these new techniques, she serves as a personal primary care physician.  For more information visit: www.alexaMDnapavalley.com