Bringing balance to your life with hormone replacement therapy in Portland OR

Have you been feeling tired and moody, or noticing the spark fade from your romantic relationships? At one time, these symptoms were considered inevitable aspects of aging. Today, the medical community has a much greater understanding of the science of aging, which has led to a wealth of innovative and effective solutions. This includes various options in hormone replacement therapy, available right here at Thrive in Portland, Oregon.

What causes hormonal imbalance?

The most common cause is time. With aging comes a number of inevitable changes in the body, including hormonal changes. In women, this is well known as menopause, which marks the end of the fertile years. Men experience a similar transition, involving a reduction in testosterone levels.

There are also many medical conditions and other potential causes of imbalanced hormones, which may affect men and women of any age. These include:

• High stress levels
• Underactive or overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism)
• Nutritional deficiencies or eating disorders
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

The importance of maintaining hormonal balance

Hormones are naturally produced by the body and facilitate cellular communication. Therefore, these components impact most bodily functions, from the immune system to the digestive system. Even a minor imbalance can have a major effect on your health, energy, libido, and overall wellbeing.

Time and medical conditions can cause the level of certain hormones to drop or become otherwise imbalanced. Some of the most common symptoms and risks of hormonal imbalance include:

• Disruptions in sleep – Approximately 61 percent of post-menopausal women experience insomnia frequently. This impacts your peaceful night’s sleep. Insomnia may lead to fatigue, daytime sleepiness, reduced cognitive abilities, and an overall “run down” feeling.
• Brain fog – Studies have shown that about one in six menopausal and perimenopausal women report some amount of memory loss. Recent research indicates that men with low testosterone levels likely experience similar memory loss.
• Moodiness – This is one of the best-known menopause symptoms, though it can also affect men experiencing hormone imbalance.
• Reduced libido – Lack of sex drive or other problems in the bedroom are common for both post-menopausal women and men with low testosterone.
• Weight fluctuation – Weight gain is most commonly associated with reduced hormonal levels. However, in some cases, hormonal imbalance may lead to weight loss.
• Temperature sensitivity – You may have reduced tolerance to heat or cold, as well as possibly experiencing hot flashes.

Restoring optimal hormone levels

One of the most common solutions is hormone replacement therapy, which literally seeks to replace what your body is missing. This treatment helps maintain ideal balance within the body, and may reduce risk of cataracts, tooth loss, diabetes, and other medical conditions. Evidence suggests it may even reduce unwanted skin changes, such as wrinkling, laxity, and dehydration. Additionally, it can ease symptoms of menopause and other age-related hormone imbalances.

Traditional hormone replacements are extracted from animal urine or created from synthetic sources. While they may be beneficial, they are not truly the same as your own hormones. BHRT (bioidentical hormone replacement therapy) is typically formulated from plant-based ingredients, but the formulas are not just similar to your own hormones. As the name suggests, they are chemically identical to human hormones, giving your body precisely what it is lacking.

Hormone replacement therapy is an excellent option for many men and women, though it is not right for everyone. We understand that every individual is unique, and tailor all treatment plans accordingly. After an evaluation, consultation, and review of your medical records we will recommend the best option for you.

Female hormone replacement therapy

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s fertile years, and it is a dramatic change for her body. Most of the unpleasant symptoms, such as mood swings and hot flashes, are associated with changes in hormone levels. Hormone replacement is often the most effective way to reduce the symptoms during this transition. Often, the treatment is short-term and discontinued when no longer needed. Surgical menopause occurs after a woman has a total hysterectomy. Most physicians recommend a low dosage of estrogen therapy to restore natural hormonal balance.

Male hormone replacement therapy

At one time, the life change of menopause was considered an exclusively female problem. However, science has since revealed that men also experience dramatic hormonal changes. This is sometimes called male menopause or low T (low testosterone). Testosterone replacement can help reduce fatigue, improve libido, and restore a man’s wellbeing.