Hormone therapy is a treatment that supplements hormones when the body is not making enough on its own. At Optimize Hormones, we specialize in helping patients optimize their wellbeing through customized hormone therapy plans tailored to their unique needs. Keep reading to learn all about the signs of hormonal imbalance, the basics of hormone therapy, and why timely treatment is so critical.
Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to tissues and organs, delivering vital instructions that regulate most of the body's major systems. They influence growth, development, metabolism, reproduction, mood, and even the way we store and utilize energy.
To maintain equilibrium and health, hormones must be kept within precise ranges - not too high, not too low. When one or more hormones fall outside of their optimal zones, it can impact the intricate balance needed for the body and mind to function properly. This imbalance leads to troubling symptoms of hormonal imbalance in both men and women.
Table 1. Major Hormones, Their Functions and Imbalance Signs
| Hormone | Functions | Deficiency Signs | Excess Signs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estrogen | Regulates menstrual cycle and reproductive function Influences hair, skin, connective tissue, and more | Irregular periods Hot flashes Vaginal dryness Infertility Osteoporosis Heart disease risk | Heavy, prolonged periods Fibroids Breast swelling and tenderness |
| Progesterone | Works with estrogen to regulate menstrual cycle Supports pregnancy Involved in mood, thyroid function, and more | Abnormal menstrual bleeding Infertility Complications during pregnancy Possible osteoporosis | No well-defined signs |
| Testosterone | Regulates sex drive, muscle mass, fat distribution, motivation Influences bone density, cholesterol, and more | Low libido Erectile dysfunction Fatigue Depression Loss of muscle mass Weight gain | Acne Oily skin Aggression (increased anger and irritability) |
| Cortisol | Helps regulate blood sugar and metabolism Plays role in immune function Influenced by stress | Chronic fatigue Muscle weakness Dizziness upon standing Low blood sugar Mood instability Weakened immunity | Cushing's syndrome - weight gain in face and midsection, fatigue, high blood pressure, high blood sugar |
| Thyroid | Affects mood, weight, menstrual cycles, body temperature, heart rate, digestive function, brain development, and more | Fatigue Constipation Memory problems Unexplained weight gain Dry skin and hair Muscle pain Menstrual irregularities Increased sensitivity to cold | Anxiety Rapid heartbeat Heat intolerance Diarrhea Significant unexplained weight loss Muscle weakness Mood swings |
| Melatonin | Helps regulate circadian rhythm and sleep patterns Antioxidant properties May boost immunity | Insomnia Trouble falling asleep Staying asleep Difficulty adjusting to time changes Mood issues GI distress | |
| DHEA | Precursor of estrogen and testosterone in the body Involved in bone strength, muscle composition, and cholesterol levels | Premature skin aging Low libido Fatigue Muscle weakness | Excess facial/body hair Acne Oily skin High blood pressure |
| Insulin | Allows body's cells to utilize blood sugar Proper levels prevent diabetes | Blurred vision Fatigue Increased hunger and thirst Increased urination and thirst Slow healing cuts/sores | Type 2 diabetes High blood sugar Frequent urination Excessive thirst Infections Extreme hunger |
Since our hormones work together like an orchestra - each section relying on the other to be in tune in order to make beautiful music - one imbalanced hormone can throw off the entire system.
That's why testing your hormone levels through blood, urine or saliva analysis is so important. It's the only way to pinpoint exactly which hormones are out of range and to what degree.
It's crucial to choose a qualified physician with specialized training in hormone balancing to accurately diagnose and treat any imbalances uncovered. They will also closely track your progress through follow-up testing.
At Optimize Hormones, our practitioners have advanced certification in hormone therapy. We use cutting-edge diagnostic testing and provide patients with customized treatment plans to restore optimal balances within the body's complex hormonal ecosystem.
While symptoms can indicate likely hormone disruption, testing is the only definitive way to know if hormone therapy is warranted and exactly what your plan of action should be.
Targeted treatment aims to carefully bring hormone levels back within their healthy ranges, thereby alleviating unpleasant symptoms and preventing the progression of more concerning long-term effects on the body and mind.
There are a variety of delivery methods available to effectively and efficiently introduce more of the hormones that happen to be low. The most common options include:
Treatment plans are often multi-faceted depending on which hormones need support and how much correction is required. Most patients begin to feel positive changes rather quickly once hormones are rebalanced. However, depending on the person it can take weeks or several months to optimize dosages and delivery systems to achieve maximal benefits.
Hormone levels naturally decline with age, starting around 30. However, today even younger adults suffer the effects of chronic hormonal disruption - often caused by lifestyle-related issues like:
If left unchecked for too long, the unpleasant symptoms of hormonal dysfunction often progress to more concerning health problems like heart disease, infertility, and higher diabetes and cancer risks. That's why timely treatment tailored to your specific imbalances is key.
The good news is, restoring optimal hormone levels not only alleviates issues in the present, but it also helps safeguard your future wellbeing. Balanced hormones help:
At Optimize Hormones, we empower patients to take control of their health through personalized care plans aimed at helping them look, feel and perform at their absolute best!
No two patients are alike. That's why at Optimize Hormones, our practitioners take the time to thoroughly assess your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle factors, preferences, and goals.
We then develop fully customized hormone balancing programs designed to specifically target your deficiencies and honor your unique physiology. Follow-up testing allows us to make dosage adjustments until optimum hormone levels and relief from discomforting symptoms are achieved.
In addition to hormonal correction, our plans also integrate recommendations for nutritional support, key supplements, stress moderating practices, fitness guidance, and other therapeutic lifestyle adjustments for making the most of your treatment.
We empower patients with the knowledge and tools to not just balance hormones, but to truly thrive! Our passion is helping you reclaim the robust health, energy levels, and zest for living that are your birthright.
Yes, restoring hormones to optimal ranges results in marked improvements for more than 80% of patients reporting issues like fatigue, low libido, hot flashes, erectile dysfunction, trouble sleeping, and mood instability. Most feel significant relief within the first 6 weeks.
Hormones are efficiently delivered via time-released pellets inserted under the skin, transdermal patches and gels absorbed through the skin, oral medications and supplements, injections, sublingual drops, and more. Our practitioners determine which methods are best for your needs.
There are always risks anytime medications or treatments are administered. However, hormone therapy is extremely safe when properly implemented and monitored by an accredited professional. Testing and follow-up assessments minimize risks.
Yes, continued therapy is often necessary because age-related hormone declines cannot be fully reversed and lifestyle habits tend to remain constant. However, dosages may be adjusted over time. Nutritional changes and stress reduction practices can help lower needed dosing.
Symptom reduction typically begins within a few weeks, but maximum benefits often take 3-6 months of treatment to fully achieve. It's essential to stay the course once therapy is initiated, or you won't experience the full effects. Table 2. Summary of Hormone Therapy Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Alleviate symptoms | Reduces hot flashes, low libido, fatigue, mood issues, and more |
| Improve overall wellbeing | Boosts energy, vitality, motivation and cognitive function |
| Support optimal health | Promotes healthy weight, lean muscle, bone density and immunity |
| Prevent long-term issues | Lowers risks of heart disease, diabetes, infertility and some cancers |
| Enhance quality of life | Helps you look, feel and perform at your best |
