omen have a very complex hormonal dance that occurs every month, and involves many powerful hormones. Estrogen and Progesterone are the two main hormones, but Testosterone, DHEA, Cortisol and Thyroid also play a part in women’s health and wellness. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and reproductive system, among other things. Until the introduction of bioidentical hormones, there was no medication that could balance all of these hormones. BHRT, however, allows your practitioner to correct your imbalances in a completely individualized fashion.
Because feminine health concerns can vary at different ages, we have grouped these concerns into 3 categories: regular-cycling women, peri-menopausal women, and menopausal women. Everyone is different, however, and your concerns may be different than the ones listed here.
Peri-Menopause
This is the life stage that occurs shortly before the beginning of menopause. During this phase, symptoms could include those of regular cycling as well as those of menopause. The following symptoms are typically unique to peri-menopause:
- irregular ovulation
- irregular menstrual cycle
- wide mood swings
BHRT allows us to address your specific symptoms, with the ultimate goal of improving your quality of life.
Menopause
When a particular woman stops ovulating at the end of the reproductive stage in her life, her periods stop. This is accompanied by an abrupt drop in many of the sex hormones; Progesterone, Estrogen and Testosterone. Menopause, by definition, is diagnosed by the absence of menstrual bleeding for 12 months. That means it can only be diagnosed in the rear view mirror.
Unfortunately, the symptoms associated with this abrupt hormonal change can precede the loss of periods by many years. BHRT gives us the ability to address the symptoms with a flexibility not seen before. Symptoms associated with menopause can include:
- heavy periods
- emotional unbalance
- fibroids
- weight gain
- insomnia
- anxiety
- reduced libido
- depression
- fatigue
It is important to note that the decline in Testosterone and Progesterone during the regular cycling stage continues to impact women into menopause. Therefore, symptoms that begin during that time are likely to remain or worsen as hormone production declines further. Once a woman goes 12 months without a period, treatment is relatively straightforward. Supplementation with topical BIEST for Estrogen, oral or topical Progesterone, and topical Testosterone will ease hormone-related symptoms in the majority of women.
Regular
Cycling
Regular menstrual cycles with mild to moderate flow are a sign of regular ovulation and good health. While a regular cycle is indicative of monthly ovulation, it does not guarantee proper hormone balance for optimal health. Symptoms of imbalance which are frequently experienced by women in this life stage include:
- heavy periods
- emotional unbalance
- fibroids
- weight gain
- insomnia
- anxiety
- reduced libido
- depression
- fatigue
As women head into their late 30’s and 40’s it is common to notice more and more of these symptoms. These symptoms show a state referred to as Estrogen Dominance, which is a relative excess of estrogen. Estrogen has a major balancing act with Progesterone and a minor one with Testosterone. It is important to note that these symptoms can also in occur in other life stages such as peri-menopause (discussed below).
While estrogen levels remain high, progesterone starts to decline in the mid 30’s and tends to drop approximately 50% by the age of 45. Progesterone levels continue to fall until menopause.
Meanwhile, the decrease in Testosterone in this time of a woman’s life mirrors that of Progesterone. Each time a woman has a pregnancy, there is a further 15% decline in Testosterone production. This is family planning in its most natural form—the more children you have, the less libido you have. This lowers your sex drive, and makes you less likely to procreate.
Why
BHRT
Traditional hormone replacement therapy uses synthetic hormones - bioidentical hormones are chemically identical to the hormones our body naturally produces.
FAQ
CAN I GET BIOIDENTICAL HORMONES FROM MY FAMILY DOCTOR?
No, your family doctor may be able to prescribe a form of hormone replacement therapy. However; if you're seeking bioidentical hormone replacement therapy you will need to visit a clinic that specializes in this form of hormone replacement therapy. and dehydrated, and its elasticity is reduced.
Why do hormone levels change overtime?
As we age, our body experiences many changes. Some hormonal changes are normal occurrences like those responsible for menstruation and ovulation. Others that occur later in life, such as menopause and peri-menopause, often lead to a decreased quality of life.
