Hormones are complex chemicals secreted by our endocrine glands. They stimulate or inhibit a variety of hormonal pathways in our body. They are vital for repairing and regulating our bodily functions. The endocrine system includes the pituitary gland which is the CEO of the endocrine system. It secretes growth hormone (HGH), and it also secretes TSH for thyroid hormone regulation. The pituitary also secrets adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing hormone (LH). All of these hormones are essential in the body. They must be balanced at appropriate levels for the body to function at its best. Many things can influence these levels, including genetic, environmental and toxic factors.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy improves the quality of life in women by reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, insomnia, depression, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse and decreased libido. In addition, BHRT can prevent osteoporosis, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and cardiovascular diseases while slowing the aging process. One of the theories of aging states that the decline of hormones reduces our body’s ability to repair and regulate itself.
In men, the effects of loss of hormones presents itself differently. Declining hormone levels in men may start as early as thirty years old. In each decade of aging, male levels of testosterone decline at a progressive rate. Many times, loss of the male hormone may not have as profound outward effects as women going through menopause. Their changes can creep in slowly. Some of these changes may be:
These effects may be experienced earlier than expected due to increasingly stressful lives and environmental toxins that each patient may be exposed to. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, a thorough evaluation should be conducted. This may be done by collection of blood, urine, or saliva to assess hormone levels.
If you have any of these symptoms, call for a consultation. For more information about BHRT, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Melissa Dean at the Dean Wellness Institute. Dr. Dean will answer all of your questions about hormone replacement therapy, and help you to understand if BHRT is a good choice for you. Contact our team today to find out more about individualized hormone replacement.
