Natural hormones are unique to each person. Hormone regulation begins to change for women around 35-55. If a woman continues to cycle after age 55 it can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Synthetic hormones are typically given by traditionally trained physicians and only for a short time. These hormones have many issues since they send incomplete messages to the body which means there is ultimately an imbalance of hormones.
There are many symptom of menopause and they include (but not limited to):
Hot flashes
Night sweats
Vaginal dryness
Anxiety, mood swings, irritability and depression
Decreased libido
Painful intercourse (due to vaginal dryness)
Urinary tract problems including incontinence
Osteopenia/osteoporosis
Aching joints
Memory lapses (sometimes called "brain fog")
Weight issues
Estrogens have over 400 functions in the body and these include (not an exhausted list):
Metabolism
Insulin sensitivity
Sleep
Muscle mass
Improves heart functions decreasing risks of heart issues
Improves mood
Increase sexual interest
Helps the skin
And many more
There are three main estrogens, Estrone (E1), Estradiol (E2) and Estriol (E3). The predominant estrogens in a young women include E2 and E1. Estriol is present typically post menopause. Estriol is important as it may be protective against breast cancer and help maintain vaginal health by improving the vaginal pH and favorable bacterial profile.
Additional important hormones include progesterone and testosterone. Progesterone helps to regulate mood, sleep, bone health and weight. Synthetic progesterone (Progestins) are not a substitute for what the body makes and may lead to more problems. Testosterone increases sexual interest, improves muscle mass, helps maintain memory, can help to decrease body fat and helps to maintain healthy skin.
In order to determine if you are a candidate for hormone replacement therapy by Dr. Howard you will need to be fully evaluated. This means that Dr. Howard will check your blood, saliva and/or urine to evaluate your hormone levels after completing a comprehensive history and physical examination.
Based on the symptoms you are experiencing and your laboratory values a comprehensive plan that helps to balance all of your hormones may be recommended. The different forms of therapy include:
Topical creams you place on your skin
Capsules
From there Dr. Howard will monitor your hormone levels through bloodwork or other labs every three months making sure your hormones are optimized for you.
There is no reason to live and possibly suffer with the symptoms of low hormones. Schedule your evaluation today and Dr. Howard will help find out what hormone therapy would be best for you.