The main role of hormones in women’s bodies is to dictate their general thinking and feelings. Proper hormonal balance makes women feel great and improves their vigor to reach their set goals and objectives regardless of their limits. However, from time to time, it’s normal to notice a change in hormonal balance which results in some unpleasant side effects. Today, women rely on hormone optimization to ensure their different types of hormones remain balanced always. Depending on their taste and preference, most people prefer using bioidentical and synthesized hormones.
A basic overview of women’s hormones
The three main hormones in women are estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Each hormone has its specific uses in various bodily operations. These hormones are made by the endocrine glands and play a significant role in relaying vital messages throughout the entire body’s organs and tissues. Hormones also help catalyze various bodily developments and reactions such as metabolism, mood, cognition, regulation of body temperature, sexual function, and bodily growth and development.
Causes of hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalance is a state that’s generally characterized by an abnormal amount of various hormones, i.e., estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Generally, when women experience hormonal imbalances, there is a high chance that they’ll notice some unusual bodily changes. Below are the top causes of hormonal imbalances:
a. Various health conditions
Some health conditions contribute to the issue of hormonal imbalances by generally affecting the hormone production capacity. A good example of a health condition that affects hormones is diabetes. This problem interferes with the endocrine system, thus making it difficult to produce the required insulin, which helps in various ways.
b. Bodily changes
Some bodily changes occur in women during various stages of their lives, including menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. All these bodily changes will affect various hormone levels, thus creating a hormonal imbalance.
c. Old age
Most older women have reported increasing cases of hormonal imbalances mainly caused by the low production in the body’s endocrine system. This system, over time, tends to become much slower and less efficient when it comes to producing the various types of hormones.
d. Less sensitive hormone receptors
This is another common cause of hormonal imbalance in women. When women get older, their hormone receptors tend to become less sensitive. This problem has been common even among women with properly working endocrine systems. Less sensitive hormone receptors are a sign that most of these hormones won’t take part in their general duties are required.
How does hormone optimization work?
Most hormone optimization treatment plans work by replacing or boosting the production of certain hormones to eliminate symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances such as weight gain, insomnia, loss of libido, hot flashes, low cognitive function, and depression, among other conditions. Although there are many natural ways to boost hormone production in women, some people still prefer scientific ways to replenish their hormones which are mainly carried out in laboratories. Whether you consider natural or scientific ways, the main goal will be to reduce and low the effect of hormone production, promoting anti aging and reducing the risk of developing certain health problems.
What is bio-identical hormone replacement therapy?
This is an excellent hormone optimization procedure that’s mainly carried out on women dealing with issues related to hormonal imbalances. This procedure helps stabilize the levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone hormones. It also reduces the risks of hormone rejection by the body system and boosts the overall functionality of the endocrine system. Over time, the procedure can help the endocrine system to begin producing more natural hormones among the affected women. Recent studies show that this procedure has been largely effective, especially among aging women or those in the menopause stage.
Does bio-identical hormone replacement therapy pose any risks?
Studies show that there are very limited risks or side effects associated with this procedure. When women get the proper amount of hormones in their bodies, depending on the test results, there will be low chances of developing side effects. Before the procedure is carried out, one has to undergo an examination to find out their level of hormonal imbalance. On the other hand, after the procedure, the physician will keep monitoring the progress to ensure the body absorbs the required bio-identical hormones.
In conclusion, this procedure provides a lifeline to many aging women whose bodies can’t produce enough hormones. Hormone optimization through this procedure will improve cognition, energy, sleep, and motivation and reduce stress.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy:
Nausea or vomiting
Infertility or decreased sperm count
Testicular shrinkage
Worsening of obstructive sleep apnea
Increase in cholesterol levels
Abnormal spike in blood sugar levels, which can increase the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes
Yellowing of the skin or around your eyes
Uncomfortable swelling or enlargement of breast tissue (gynecomastia)
Redness, warmth around lower leg area
Unusual increase in red blood cell count, which can result in high blood pressure, joint/muscle pain, trouble with eyesight or thrombosis (blood clotting)
Frequent need to urinate
Fluid retention
Acne or oily skin
Headaches
Lumps or hardening around injection site
Clomid:
Headaches
Nausea
Bloating
Mood swings
Diminished sex drive
Sperm counts decrease (can be reversed by changing Clomid to another type of estrogen blocker, such as tamoxifen.)
Acne
Chest tenderness
Blurry vision
Weight gain
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Altered taste
Asthma
Flushing
Excess thirst
Joint aches
Enclomiphene
Libido issues
Acne
A temper if levels get too high
Mood swings
Depression
Mood irritability
Anxiety
Gynecomastia
Headache
Nausea
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Common Cold
Hot flush
Joint pain
NOTE: Enclomiphene is the purified isomer of Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)