The Metabolic Institute located in Spokane, Washington performs bioidentical hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. Many chronic health problems that can affect the ability to fight serious disease are caused by hormonal imbalances in the body. Decreased energy and cognitive function can be signs of hormone imbalances, but with proper treatment, hormones don’t have to be a problem.
What Are Hormones?
Hormones are part of the endocrine system that tell each part of the body how to function. By traveling through the bloodstream, they work slowly, affecting a variety of processes. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy helps duplicate these very same hormones within the body.
Why Do We Need Hormones?
If hormones are not well regulated, certain health concerns may arise. Diabetes, weight fluctuation and weakened bones can all occur with hormonal imbalances.
3 Important Functions of Hormones
- Regulating Metabolism
- Sexual function
- Mood
Hormones As We Age
The natural process of aging will change the hormones throughout both men and women. Metabolisms will start to slow around age 20. Later in life, hormones can contribute to osteoporosis. An imbalance of hormones over time will affect both men and women.
Men frequently have lower levels of testosterone, which can lead to reduced bone mass and sex drive. As women go through menopause, they may experience breast tenderness and low libido from hormonal imbalances. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy can help the hormonal changes as we age.
BioIdentical Hormones
Women typically experience hormone deficiency for the first time during menopause. When the progesterone, testoterone and estrogen production wanes, signs of hormonal imbalance will begin to take place. Although men do not go through menopause, a decline in testosterone can lead to what is frequently referred to as andropause. This usually happens when men reach late their 40s or early 50s.
Bioidentical hormones are synthetic hormones that have the same molecular structure as natural hormones. Bio-identical hormones are created for both men and women so that both menopause and andropause can be easily managed.
How Are Bio-identical Hormones Created?
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is used with synthetic hormones. These bioidentical hormones are manmade and created from plant estrogens. This type of estrogen is identical to the type of estrogen humans produce. By extracting plant chemicals from yams and soy, bioidentical estrogen, progesterone and testosterone can be artificially created in a lab.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy
For those suffering with a hormonal imbalance, life can seem chaotic, and especially men. While many people are familiar with the process of menopause and understand its effect on women, men are often overlooked when it comes to hormonal imbalances within the body. Yet they too can experience all the effects of hormonal imbalances, like:
- Anxiety
- Diminished muscle mass
- Paper-like skin
- Increased cholesterol
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss or impairment
- Depression
- Hair loss or thinning
- Fatigue
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Night sweats
- Weight gain
Although this is not a complete list of possible side effects due to hormonal imbalances, those listed are common complaints of an aging endocrine system.
Conclusion
During hormonal imbalances, it’s common to wonder if there is an underlying psychiatric problem that could cause such symptoms as depression, anxiety or weight gain. Although emotions will fluctuate with an imbalance of hormones, this is part of the aging process. Bioidentical replacement therapy can help correct hormonal imbalances that can cause emotional and physical issues. If you’re concerned about your hormone balance, don’t hesitate to call The Metabolic Institute in Spokane, Washington for more information.