Balancing Hormones
Bio Identical Hormone Replacement
Hormones are critical in keeping a body regulated. If you're not sick, you want to keep hormone levels healthy to prevent sickness, but more importantly, if you are sick, then balancing hormones becomes a top priority.
For example, if you have ALS, but there isn't testosterone or progesterone to protect the muscle then the disease it's going to ravage as much muscle as possible. It is very important to have a medical team that will be able to check your hormones.
Balanced hormones are important whether you are trying to stay healthy, whether age-wise hormones have changed or if you have a disease. If you do have a disease hormones become especially important because of the protection that they provide to the tissues of the body.
What does the therapy consist of?
We customize safe, natural therapies for each patient so you know your treatment is adjusted perfectly for your age.
Hormones are administered in the form of creams, gels, pills, injections, or pellets. Over time your hormone levels will continue to be monitored and adjustments made as necessary. The key to successful results is an individualized approach created by a physician specially trained in bio-identical hormone therapy, such as Dr. Ferro at BodyScience.
What can this therapy do for me?
Both men and women can experience declining hormone production as early as their mid-thirties. The greater your stress levels the more likely you are to experience an early on-set of these symptoms. If you are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance, natural hormones may relieve your symptoms, improving your health from the inside out.
Get your energy back and feel strong and vital once again. Improve your sex-drive, sleep better, lose weight, have more focused thinking, as well as clearer, younger-looking skin.
Hormone Imbalance symptoms
Hormone imbalances can be caused by a variety of factors, affecting both men and women. Here are the top 10 common reasons for hormone imbalance:
1. Chronic Stress: Stress triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which can disrupt the balance of other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and thyroid hormones.
2. Poor Diet: Diets high in sugar, processed foods, and unhealthy fats can contribute to hormone imbalances. Lack of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats also affects hormone production.
3. Lack of Sleep: Inadequate or poor-quality sleep can disrupt the balance of hormones like cortisol, insulin, and leptin, which regulate stress, metabolism, and appetite.
4. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can affect insulin levels, sex hormones, and other hormonal balances, leading to various health issues.
5. Environmental Toxins: Exposure to endocrine disruptors found in plastics, pesticides, and household chemicals can interfere with hormone production and function.
6. Excessive Caffeine and Alcohol: High consumption of caffeine and alcohol can disrupt hormonal balance by affecting cortisol, insulin, and sex hormones.
7. Medical Conditions: Conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, diabetes, and adrenal fatigue can lead to hormone imbalances.
8. Aging: Natural aging processes, such as menopause and andropause, lead to a decrease in sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
9. Birth Control and Hormone Replacement Therapy: These medications can alter the natural balance of hormones in the body, leading to imbalances if not properly managed.
10. Obesity: Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, can lead to an overproduction of estrogen and insulin resistance, disrupting overall hormonal balance.
Addressing these factors through lifestyle changes, proper diet, stress management, and medical consultation can help manage and correct hormone imbalances.
Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, stress, poor diet, illness, and exposure to toxins. Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can also cause hormonal imbalances.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms that you think may be related to a hormonal imbalance. Your doctor can perform tests to evaluate your hormone levels and help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medication, or hormone replacement therapy, depending on the specific condition and its severity.
Addressing hormone imbalances
From a functional medicine perspective, addressing hormone imbalances involves a holistic and personalized approach that focuses on identifying and treating the root causes rather than just the symptoms. Here are some of the best approaches to solving hormone imbalance problems:
1. Comprehensive Testing and Diagnosis
Detailed Lab Testing: Functional medicine practitioners typically conduct thorough testing to assess hormone levels, including adrenal, thyroid, sex hormones, and insulin.
Identifying Root Causes: The goal is to identify underlying issues such as gut health, nutrient deficiencies, or chronic infections that may be contributing to the imbalance.
2. Detoxification and Reducing Toxin Exposure
Environmental Toxin Reduction: Minimize exposure to endocrine disruptors found in plastics, personal care products, and household cleaners.
Supporting Detox Pathways: Encourage practices like drinking plenty of water, eating fiber-rich foods, and possibly using supplements like milk thistle or glutathione to support liver detoxification.
3. Gut Health Optimization
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Support gut health with beneficial bacteria that help regulate hormone metabolism.
Addressing Dysbiosis: Treat conditions like leaky gut or imbalances in gut flora that can contribute to hormone dysregulation.
4. Hormone-Supportive Supplements
Targeted Nutrients: Use specific vitamins and minerals that support hormone health, such as magnesium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids.
Herbal Support: Consider using herbs like Vitex (chaste tree), maca root, or black cohosh, which can naturally support hormone balance.
5. Addressing Underlying Medical Conditions
Treating Chronic Conditions: Functional medicine looks at conditions like thyroid disorders, PCOS, or adrenal fatigue as part of the hormone balance strategy.
Personalized Treatment Plans: Develop customized treatment plans that address the unique hormonal needs of the individual.
