As we age, our bodies undergo natural changes in our hormone levels. This imbalance can be attributed to the natural aging process, chronic stress, or some diseases. This fluctuation can throw your body into a disrupted state. You may experience changes such as unexplained weight gain, mood swings, insomnia, depression, loss of libido, fatigue, and brain fog. Although these are natural changes, you do not have to live with these negative symptoms. One of the most popular treatment for hormonal imbalance is bioidentical hormone replacement therapy or BHRT.

What is Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is a form of hormone replacement therapy that can treat both men and women when they experience drops or imbalances in their hormone levels. Bioidentical hormones are derived from plant sources, such as yams, and are chemically identical to the hormones produced by your own body. They bind to your body’s hormone receptors in the exact same way as the hormones that are naturally produced in the body. BHRT comes in many forms. At The Aesthetics & Wellness Lab, we exclusively treat hormonal imbalance with pellet therapy.

What Are Bioidentical Hormone Pellets?

Pellet therapy is a highly effective form of BHRT. Hormone pellets are often the preferred method of delivery over other formulations such as creams and oral medications. Pellet therapy is the only form of delivery that provides the body with a steady dose of hormones, similar to how the body naturally functions. Because the pellets are implanted, you won’t experience the radical surges and drops in hormone levels as with other methods. Each pellet is produced at a compounding pharmacy and the dosage is customized to meet your needs. Each pellet is approximately the size of a grain of rice and is inserted under the skin. Once placed, the pellet releases a consistent stream of the hormones into your body for the next 3-6 months. Most patient report some symptom relief in as little as 2-4 weeks, but full optimization may take up to 6 months.

Who Is A Candidate for Bioidentical Hormones?

The symptoms of hormone deficiency are varied and many. The most common symptoms for both men and women include:

• Mood swings and irritability

• Steady weight gain or inability to lose weight

• Decreased libido

• Insomnia

• Brain fog

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue or Low energy

Once hormone balance has been restored, clients can expect to see the following benefits:

• Increase in energy levels

• Improvement in memory, concentration, and productivity

• Increase in muscle mass, tone, and endurance

• Improvement in fat loss

• Increase in sex drive

• Decreased hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and intimate pain

The Role of Estrogen in the Female Body

Estrogen, one of the primary sex hormones in women, plays a pivotal role in various aspects of female physiology. It promotes the growth of tissues, such as fostering breast development and thickening the uterine lining. This hormone is primarily synthesized in the ovaries, and estrone, a milder variant of estrogen, is one of its key components. Estrogen exerts influence over several critical functions, impacting sleep patterns, emotional well-being, libido, memory, and concentration. Furthermore, it contributes to the preservation of bone density.

The use of bioidentical hormones can be instrumental in averting conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis, significantly slowing the advancement of preexisting issues. It also has a positive effect on increasing HDL, often referred to as "good cholesterol." Some research has indicated that a depletion of estrogen may be linked to metabolic disorders, obesity, and cardiovascular problems.

Estrogen additionally plays a crucial role in maintaining collagen, which is vital for skin elasticity and hair growth. It also contributes to vaginal health by preventing thinning of the vaginal walls and ensuring adequate lubrication. In women of childbearing age, estrogen stimulates the development of egg follicles and sustains the mucous membrane that lines the uterine wall.

The Role of Progesterone in the Female Body

Progesterone serves as a guardian, imparting a soothing influence on both the mind and the body. In the realm of hormone balance for women, maintaining the proper equilibrium between estrogen and progesterone is of utmost importance. Sufficient levels of progesterone play a crucial role in ensuring high-quality sleep. This hormone is primarily manufactured in the ovaries, with additional production occurring in the adrenal glands. However, for menopausal women experiencing adrenal fatigue, natural progesterone levels can diminish significantly without the aid of bioidentical hormone replacement. Scarcity of progesterone can also have a substantial impact on mood, potentially leading to heightened anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, progesterone acts as a regulator, preventing excessive cell proliferation and providing protection against nerve damage. In women of childbearing age, it prepares the uterine environment for potential pregnancy by thickening the uterine lining, creating a hospitable setting for the development of an embryo. Progesterone also contributes to metabolic processes by facilitating the utilization of fat for energy, while simultaneously impeding the formation of arterial plaque and reducing triglyceride levels. It plays an essential role in bone development and is vital for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Progesterone complements estrogen, and achieving the correct estrogen-to-progesterone ratio is critical. An imbalance in this ratio can lead to a condition known as estrogen dominance, which may result in fertility issues, endometriosis, fibroids, weight gain, and even endometrial cancers.

In fact, research indicates that post-menopausal women solely taking estrogen are 80% more likely to develop endometrial cancer compared to those who receive both estrogen and progesterone. Studies have also unveiled that progesterone is not just a sex hormone but is also considered a "neuro-steroid," playing a pivotal role in brain function.

The Role of Testosterone in the Female Body

Although we typically associate testosterone with masculinity, it also serves as a sex hormone in women, albeit at significantly lower levels than in men. Maintaining healthy testosterone levels is vital for women as it contributes to muscle mass, regulates fat distribution, and plays a crucial role in preserving bone density. Additionally, it has a direct impact on libido and fertility. In cases of testosterone deficiency, individuals may experience symptoms like sluggishness, generalized fatigue, low mood, disrupted sleep, and weight gain. Hormonal imbalances can lead to a reduced tolerance for physical activity and a lack of motivation. Conversely, some women may have elevated testosterone levels, resulting in symptoms such as acne, scalp hair loss, excessive body hair growth, and infertility. Therefore, achieving an appropriate balance of testosterone is of paramount importance.

What is Perimenopause and How Do We Treat It?

Perimenopause marks the transition between a woman's childbearing years and the onset of menopause. During this phase, pregnancy remains a possibility due to sporadic ovulation, but it also signifies the commencement of hormonal fluctuations. On average, women enter perimenopause around the age of 40, and this phase can extend for 8 to 10 years. However, this duration is highly individual, with some women experiencing it earlier or later based on their unique circumstances.

Menopause, on the other hand, denotes the cessation of ovarian hormone production and the termination of the menstrual cycle. It's important to note that a woman is not officially considered menopausal until she has experienced a year of consistent menstrual cycle absence. In the United States, the average age for reaching menopause is 51, although genetic factors and overall health can influence this timing.

The transition from perimenopause to menopause typically unfolds gradually. However, certain factors can accelerate this process, such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, family history, specific cancer treatments, and hysterectomy. Notably, when the ovaries are surgically removed, menopause occurs abruptly, while removal of the uterus, with ovaries intact, may expedite the process to a lesser extent.

As women progress from perimenopause to menopause, hormone levels undergo significant changes. In perimenopause, hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid levels fluctuate, in contrast to the more stable levels observed during the childbearing years.

In early perimenopause, progesterone levels tend to decline first. Progesterone plays a crucial role in preparing the uterine lining for potential pregnancy by thickening it. As progesterone decreases, estrogen levels can surge, leading to thickened uterine lining, potential fibroid formation, and an increased likelihood of endometriosis. Consequently, women may experience prolonged or heavier menstrual periods, accompanied by clotting, as these conditions are exacerbated by elevated estrogen levels.

These hormonal shifts not only yield discomforting symptoms but also influence their severity and intensity. Testosterone levels, which gradually decrease from around age 30 onwards, continue to decline as women age.

Common symptoms of perimenopause include sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, irritability, weight fluctuations, hot flashes, night sweats, reduced concentration, heightened stress sensitivity, irregular or heavy menstrual periods, lowered energy levels, stubborn weight gain, muscle tone loss, hair changes, diminished libido, memory issues, acne, joint inflammation, fibroids, vaginal dryness, and other related concerns.

Are you ready to regain control of your hormonal balance and embrace the next phase of life with confidence and vitality? Our dedicated Nurse Practitioner at The Aesthetics & Wellness Lab is here to support you every step of the way.

We'll collaborate closely with you to create a personalized plan for treating hormonal imbalances. Through a comprehensive assessment, precise lab testing, the use of top-quality supplements, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, we'll help you navigate this journey.

Your well-being is our priority, and we're committed to making this transition a smoother and more comfortable experience for you. Your health and happiness matter, and we're here to ensure you feel your best as you embrace this next chapter of life.

For more information about Perimenopause and to determine if Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is a suitable treatment for you, download our Perimenopause Guide or call our office today to schedule a consultation.