5 Telltale Signs You Need The Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

5 telltale signs you need hormone replacement therapy

At different stages in our lifecycle, hormone deficiencies can cause major changes in our bodies. Although these hormone imbalances are just a natural part of the aging process, they can cause a number of negative symptoms to our everyday health. Luckily, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, also known as HRT, can help reduce many of these unwanted symptoms.

But, what are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy? And how can treatment help you feel happy and healthy again? 

In this article, we are going to give you the top 5 telltale signs that you need hormone replacement therapy. We will also tell you everything you need to know about treatment, including:

  • What is hormone replacement therapy?
  • How does HRT make you feel?
  • How long after starting HRT do you feel a difference?

If you’re wondering, “Do I need HRT?” then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started.

What is Hormone Replacement Therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy is a type of treatment where a doctor prescribes hormones to help replace your naturally produced hormones that are low. This treatment often comes in a pill, cream, patch, or spray.

Typically, your doctor will recommend lab testing where they will test your blood or saliva for hormone imbalances. This allows them to customize your hormone replacement to bring your body’s hormones back into balance.

5 Signs You Need the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy

Now that you understand what HRT is, it’s time to talk about hormone imbalances. For men and women alike, hormone levels play a very important role in your overall health and vitality. When hormones become unbalanced, you can feel sluggish, moody, and constantly fatigued.

Thankfully, HRT is here to help you replenish hormone levels and help you feel like you again. Let’s take a look at our first telltale sign you may need HRT. 

1. Extreme Menopause and Andropause Symptoms

When we talk about hormone deficiencies as we age, most of us will instantly think of menopause. For hundreds of thousands of women around the world, extreme perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause symptoms can cause a lot of discomfort in their everyday lives.

 

Benefits of hormone replacement therapy
You know the difference between regular menstrual cramps and something new.

Negative menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and even a lower metabolism are commonly caused by the gradual changes in estrogen and progesterone levels before, during, and after menopause. This is where hormone therapy can help. By restoring the body’s hormones to optimal levels, many of the negative side effects from menopause can be eliminated. 

Do You Need Hormone Therapy After Menopause?

During menopause and postmenopause, many women search for fast relief to the unpleasant hormone changes they may be feeling. When symptoms are severe, hormone replacement therapy is definitely a viable option. 

Many women who experience low estrogen due to menopause or a hysterectomy turn to HRT to reduce symptoms such as:

  • osteoporosis
  • heart disease
  • stroke
  • dementia
  • mood swings
  • bone thinning
  • hot flashes

Note: If you have a hysterectomy, numerous side effects could occur if you don’t take Estrogen.

Do you need hormone therapy after menopause? For women who experience hormone imbalances from perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause, hormone therapy can be extremely beneficial for reducing the severity of the symptoms. Learn the benefits of hormone replacement therapy with an HRT consultation!

Hormone Imbalances in Men

Did you know? Hormone imbalances affect more than just women. That’s right, plenty of aging men experience extreme swings in their hormone levels as well. In fact, 20% of men experience negative hormone deficiency symptoms

But, why? Let us explain… 

As men age, they can undergo a biological process called andropause. This natural process causes testosterone levels to slowly decrease and usually begins to affect men in their 40’s and 50’s. In many cases, men going through andropause will experience sexual dysfunction, changes in mood, and lower metabolism.

 

 

Here’s the good news: many men opt for bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), a popular treatment to eradicate many of these unwanted andropause symptoms. With BHRT, you can improve your body’s testosterone levels and feel healthier and more energetic. 

Along with andropause and menopause symptoms, there are many other telltale signs that indicate the need for hormone replacement therapy. Let’s move on to our next sign… 

2. Hair Loss

Although genetics are often the cause of hair loss in men and women, hormones also play a major role in the breakdown of hair. In fact, the main hormone at fault is dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT. When there is an imbalance of this testosterone byproduct, hair follicles can be jeopardized.

Another cause of hair loss is stress. When men and women undergo extreme levels of stress, the adrenal gland has to work overtime to produce stress hormones like cortisol. Unfortunately, when the adrenal gland is hyperactive, it can sometimes cause a major imbalance in our hormone levels. This can lead to hair thinning and hair loss.

 

Benefits of hormone replacement therapy Florida

 

The good news? Since hair loss is hormone-related, one of the benefits of hormone replacement therapy is its ability to restore hormone levels and reduce hair loss! 

3. Mood Swings

One of the biggest signs of a hormone deficiency can be seen in our state of mind. When we experience random mood swings, our hormones are typically at fault. Although some changes in mood are normal, you should be concerned when mood swings are severe and become the norm. 

When mood swings involve a heavy dose of the following, hormone replacement therapy might be a viable option: 

Want to know more signs you may need hormone therapy? Keep reading to learn how HRT can improve libido and energy. 

4. Low Libido

Are hormone deficiencies causing problems in the bedroom? Since hormones are directly correlated to libido and sex drive, they will also dictate performance and pleasure. Therefore, a lack of certain sex hormones, such as testosterone in men and estrogen and progesterone in women, can result in intimacy problems.

For women, reduced levels of estrogen can cause vaginal dryness and pain during sex. For men, low testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction and a lack of energy. Fortunately, all of these hormones can be balanced with HRT and pleasure can be restored.

 

what are the signs that you need hormone replacement therapy Florida

 

Now that you know that performance in the bedroom can be affected by hormones, let’s talk about how your sleep cycle might indicate a hormone imbalance. 

5. Insomnia or Lack of Sleep

Here’s one thing we can all agree on: a good night’s sleep is vital to living a healthy life. When our sleep cycle is tampered with, a simple day at work can seem like an impossible task. If you are experiencing disturbances in your sleep cycle, hormone imbalances may be the main force keeping you up at night. 

Other side effects you may feel when hormones interrupt sleep include: 

  • Insomnia
  • Hot flashes and night sweats
  • Brain fog and memory loss
  • Anxiety

As you can see, all of these are very negative symptoms due to a lack of sleep. To easily improve your quality of sleep, consider using hormone replacement therapy. So, how can you safely and effectively replenish your hormones through hormone replacement therapy?

What Are The Risks of Hormone Therapy?

Although the benefits of hormone replacement therapy can be incredibly helpful for patients, it is also important to know the potential risks. The potential risks of hormone replacement therapy include blood clots, heart disease, stroke, and breast cancer.

Risks often depend heavily on age, the type of hormone therapy used, and health history. You should discuss these risks with your doctor, in order to help determine if hormone replacement therapy is a good fit for you based on your individual needs and health history.

How Long Does Hormone Therapy Take to Work?

One common question we get is: How long after starting HRT do you feel a difference?

You should know that HRT isn’t a “band-aid solution” Rather, it is designed to bring your hormones back into their natural alignment over some time.

To begin, the process of hormone testing, waiting for lab results, completing online medical history, & attending your consultation should take a few weeks. Due to this “set-up” phase, it will take 2-5 weeks to feel the initial benefits of HRT. Then, it may take up to 3 months for the full effects of HRT to be felt.

Of course, hormone replacement is a very individualized process. While some patients feel meaningful results within a few days, some feel results after months. HRT treatments can be customized over time based on the needs of the patients. It is common to start hormone therapy with a low dose to see how it initially improves hormone levels, and then the dosage can be adjusted accordingly.

Ready to Reap the Benefits of Hormone Replacement Therapy?

If you are experiencing any of the signs above from a hormone imbalance, look no further than Whole Health JC for help. Our clinic offers Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment options for both men and women. Through a simple lab test, we can assess your hormone levels and create a BHRT treatment that fits your individual needs!

Dr.Su

January 09, 2023

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Can Antidepressants Cause Hormone Imbalance?

can antidepressants cause hormone imbalance

If you’re wondering if antidepressants can cause hormonal imbalance, the simple response is yes. About 8% of Americans 20 years and older experience major depression and 13% take antidepressant medications. Clearly, depression is a serious issue in Americans but what if your treatment causes more problems than it helps?

In this article, we will discuss this overarching question that many people have:

Can antidepressants cause hormone imbalance? The Short Answer: Yes, antidepressants can cause hormone imbalance in some cases, as antidepressants actually increase serotonin levels.

But, before we can get into the details, we first need to discuss what causes hormonal imbalances and the pros and cons of antidepressants.

What is Hormone Imbalance?

Hormone imbalance is when you have abnormally low or high levels of important hormones. Your hormones affect how your body functions, so when there is an imbalance it can cause a series of unpleasant symptoms.

Your hormones are chemical messengers in your body that tell your organs what to do. This controls your metabolism, reproduction, and even your mood. While small fluctuations are normal, long-lasting and severe changes can pose a problem.

What Causes Hormonal Imbalance?

So, why may you be experiencing a hormone imbalance?

There are many causes of a hormonal imbalance such as:

  • Cancer treatments
  • Medications
  • Tumors
  • Eating disorders
  • Stress
  • Menopause
  • Pregnancy
  • Aging

Depending on the person, hormone imbalances will affect people differently.

Common Signs of Hormone Imbalance

Symptoms of hormone imbalance can range in levels of severity, often based on how significant the imbalance is.

Common symptoms of hormone imbalance may include:

  • Weight gain
  • Weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Increased or decreased heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Constipation
  • Frequent urination
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Depression
  • Nervousness
  • Blurred vision
  • Infertility
  • Thinning hair
  • Dry skin

Those with low levels of key hormones often also experience symptoms of depression.

This brings us to our next point: antidepressants.

can antidepressants cause hormone imbalance

Common Antidepressants

There are three commonly used antidepressants:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
    • Used to increase levels of serotonin. These are medications like Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Luvox, Celexa, and Lexapro.
  • Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
    • These increase levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. This comes in medications like Effexor, Cymbalta, and Pristiq.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
    • These also increase serotonin and norepinephrine with medications such as Elavil, Anafranil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Sinequan, and Surmontil.

Depression is caused by an imbalance of chemical messengers such as serotonin. Antidepressants work to increase these neurochemicals so the nerve cells in your brain can pass signals to the rest of your body.

Tip: Be sure to trust a behavioral healthcare provider to prescribe the above medications that uses measurement based care.

The Pros and Cons Of Using Antidepressants

Antidepressants, just like any medication, come with their pros and cons. While you should discuss any medications you are considering taking with a doctor, here are a few pros and cons of antidepressants to be aware of.

Pros of Antidepressants

Antidepressants work with neurotransmitters in your brain to help stabilize symptoms of depression and anxiety. Many antidepressants increase levels of serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, or a combination of these neurochemicals which can treat depression, anxiety disorders, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and chronic pain.

Many individuals who take antidepressants noticed improvements in their mental health and a decrease in symptoms.

can antidepressants cause hormone imbalance

Cons of Antidepressants

While there are people who experience benefits from antidepressants, there are many that feel as though it does nothing. Even worse, there are those that have noted it causes more damaging symptoms.

Side effects of antidepressants may include:

  • Nausea
  • Forgetfulness
  • Drowsiness/Fatigue
  • Dry mouth
  • Dry skin
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Suppressed appetite
  • Insomnia
  • Tremor
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Sexual dysfunction

More importantly, many people who take antidepressants experience depression as a side effect. This brings us to the main point of our article, can antidepressants cause hormonal imbalance.

What the Research Shows: Can Antidepressants Cause Hormone Imbalance?

SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs increase levels of hormones, especially serotonin. While serotonin is a good thing in moderation, too much of any hormone can cause issues. Other antidepressant medications, like Olanzapine and Lithium Carbonate, can also affect the hormones in your body.
High prolactin levels coming from antidepressants can affect the production of hormones.

So what is the solution?

How to Alleviate Hormone Imbalance and Depression

Instead of covering up symptoms of depression with medication, treat the underlying causes with holistic functional medicine. There are several treatments that can help to alleviate depression and anxiety without negative side effects, such as:

  • Specialized diets
  • Exercise
  • Nutrients
  • Hormone therapy

While not all of these may work for you or give immediate results, talk to a doctor to see if hormone therapy is right for you.

hormone therapy

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy, such as Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), restores the hormone balance that your body needs to function properly. You can get your hormone levels tested through blood or saliva. Then a doctor can determine what hormones you need to bring your body back into balance.

Hormone therapy can treat depression and anxiety at their root cause to help alleviate symptoms and stabilize your mood. What makes hormone therapy better than typical medication is the treatment can be personalized to your unique needs.

Treat Your Hormone Imbalance With Whole Health JC

If you are experiencing depression and are looking for a low-risk treatment come by Whole Health JC to see if hormone therapy is right for you.

Whether or not you and your doctor decide antidepressants are right for you we recommend getting hormonal treatment. Antidepressants work best when combined with hormone therapy in treating anxiety and depression.

Our clinic offers Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy treatment options for both men and women. Through a simple lab test, we can assess your hormone levels and create a BHRT treatment that fits your individual needs! Contact us at 573-893-5500.

Dr. Jen

January 05, 2023

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what are the signs of hormonal imbalance

What are the Signs of Hormonal Imbalance? How to Regulate Your Hormones

It’s no secret that our bodies go through many changes as we get older. From our teen years to the big 50 and beyond, the body’s hormones are constantly changing to keep up with the times.

Unfortunately, not all changes are created equal. If you have noticed unpleasant side effects to the aging process, you might be dealing with a hormonal imbalance.

But, what exactly does it mean to have unbalanced hormone levels? And what are the signs of hormonal imbalance? In this article, dive into the top 5 signs of hormonal imbalance, what it means for your overall health, and how you can regulate your hormones.

Before we get too ahead of ourselves, let’s first discover what a hormonal imbalance is.

What is a Hormonal Imbalance?

In simple terms, a hormonal imbalance occurs when too much or too little of a specific hormone or set of hormones are produced in the body. When the levels of your hormones become unregulated, they can cause you to experience different symptoms, such as weight gain, moodiness, fatigue, pain, and sexual dysfunction.

what are the signs of hormonal imbalance

 

Although there are many hormones in the body, some that are commonly affected by imbalances include:

  • Estrogen
  • Progesterone
  • Testosterone
  • Cortisol (stress hormone)
  • Insulin
  • Growth hormones
  • Thyroid hormone     

These imbalances can take place in several locations of your body, including the adrenal glands, pituitary gland, kidneys, ovaries, thyroid gland, testes, and hypothalamus. Many of these parts of the body are found in the endocrine system, which uses hormones to regulate the body.

Hormonal Imbalance in Men and Women

As you can probably guess, there are some key differences between hormone levels found in men and women. For instance, men naturally have more testosterone than women, and women have more estrogen and progesterone than men.

However, it is interesting to note that men produce small amounts of estrogen and progesterone while women create some testosterone as well. This is normal and healthy!
what are the signs of hormonal imbalance

Here’s the problem: When a man or a woman is not producing the right levels of each desired hormone, it can cause some bodily function issues. In men, this commonly appears as sexual disfunction, reduced muscle mass, tenderness in the chest area, and lowered metabolism. In women, it can show up as irregular menstrual cycles, hot flashes, moodiness, low sex drive, and more. 

In this next section, you will learn the 5 common signs of hormonal imbalance that can be found in both men and women.

What are the Signs of Hormone Imbalance?

Hormone imbalances may be caused by a number of reasons, including 

  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Thyroid issues
  • Menopause
  • Poor diet; eating disorders
  • Lack of exercise
  • Certain medications
  • Diseases like endometriosis, diabetes, etc. 

Depending on the reason behind your hormone imbalance and the types of hormones affected, you can experience a range of different symptoms. In general, these are the top 5 signs of hormonal imbalance. 

1. Decreased Metabolism & Weight Change

Have you been gaining weight recently and don’t know why? Or perhaps your appetite has changed and you are starting to lose weight?

Unexplainable weight changes are a tell-tale sign of unbalanced hormones. In particular, weight gain is commonly associated with aging because hormone levels that control metabolism begin to drop off as you enter your 30s. This slows down your metabolic rate. 

The main glands that regulate metabolic hormones are your thyroids. So, if you are gaining or losing a lot of weight and can’t seem to get back to normal, then your thyroid glands might be the root of the cause.

2. Change in Heart Rate

Blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart rate are all very important bodily functions. When levels of the hormones that control them change in the body, it can damage tissues and organs in your body. This is particularly the case when the hormone levels remain unbalanced for long periods of time

Here’s what you need to know. 

Insulin and glucagon are secreted by the pancreas to manage blood sugar levels and maintain proper blood pressure. However, when one is produced more than another or the overall levels are unable to function properly, you will notice a change in blood sugar, blood pressure, and heart rate. This can signify a hormonal imbalance. 

Oftentimes, exercise and a well-rounded diet can help you regulate your heart rate, blood sugar, and blood pressure levels. In other instances, you might need to consult a doctor to help stabalize your them.

3. Interrupted Sleep Cycles

Insomnia and irregular sleep cycles are a common symptom of a hormonal imbalance. Unfortunately, if you find yourself waking up frequently in the middle of the night or you’re excessively fatigued during the day, your internal hormone levels are most likely at fault.

Melatonin in particular is known as the ‘sleep hormone’ and is the main hormone that helps you receive a good night’s rest. Cortisol, the ‘stress hormone,’ also plays a big role in your ability to sleep at night and hold energy during the day. Other hormones that help maintain your sleep cycle include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Therefore, if your sex hormone levels are off (such as during puberty, perimenopause, menopause, and andropause), you might notice significant changes in your sleep cycle.

Speaking of sex hormones… 

4. Irregular Reproductive Cycles & Sexual Dysfunction

If you are wondering what are the signs of hormonal imbalance, then this is it. One of the most well-known signs of a hormonal imbalance is sexual dysfunction.

This may include:

  • Erectile dysfunction in men
  • Vaginal dryness in women
  • Pain during sex
  • Low libido
  • Delay or absence of orgasm
  • Inability to become aroused 

At the same time, irregular menstruation in women is also a major indicator that a hormonal imbalance is present.

These dysfunctions and irregularities are caused by wavering levels of sex hormones. As men and women age, it is normal to see a drop off in testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone. This commonly leads to menopause for women and andropause for men. 

When seen in younger men and women, sex hormone imbalances are sometimes traced back to genetics, diseases (like endometriosis), and high levels of stress. 

5. Increased Stress Levels

Stress plays a HUGE role in the well-being of your body. Scientists have found that significant levels of stress trapped in the body can cause a number of problems, including:

  • Chronic pain and illnesses
  • High blood pressure
  • Muscle tension
  • Headaches; dizziness; chronic fatigue
  • Hair loss
  • Anxiety; depression
  • Digestion issues
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • And yes, you guessed it – hormone imbalances. 

When you undergo stress, your adrenal glands secrete cortisol to regulate it. Usually, the stress is managed and dissipates without causing too many problems for your body.

Red Flag for Your Adrenal Glands

But, if your body is frequently flooded with major stressors, like ongoing trauma, pain, and more, it can actually lead to adrenal fatigue or even adrenal failure. This occurs when your adrenal glands are unable to produce enough hormones to regulate your stress and it can cause symptoms like:

  • Chronic fatigue
  • Cognitive issues (dizziness; brain fog)
  • Moodiness
  • Anxiety; depression
  • Compromised immune system
  • Low libido 

Therefore, if you have noticed a big spike in your stress levels and a difficulty regulating your emotions, stress, and moods, then you may be suffering from a hormonal imbalance.

Can You Balance Your Hormones?

 

what are the signs of hormonal imbalance

If you are showing the compelling signs of hormonal imbalance, don’t fret. Since so many men and women undergo hormone imbalances every year, the scientific and medical communities have found ways to balance hormones. 

One way to regulate your hormones is through hormone replacement therapy, a technique that replenishes your low hormones. In this process, a doctor will test your blood or saliva to see which hormones are unbalanced. Then, the doctor will formulate a customized program that comes in the form of a pill, cream, patch, or spray. 

Along with a healthy diet and daily exercise, your hormone levels will begin to balance themselves and you will notice a positive change in your body’s health.

Regulate Your Hormones with Whole Health JC

So, what are the signs of hormonal imbalance? To recap, if you are experiencing unexplainable changes in weight and heart rate, insomnia, fatigue, irregular reproductive cycles, sexual dysfunction, and increased stress, a hormonal imbalance may be at the heart of the problem.

Luckily, you can figure out the root cause of your hormonal imbalance at Whole Health JC. Whether you’re suffering from insomnia, low libido, moodiness, or other symptoms related to unbalanced hormones, Whole Health JC can help you get back on track.

Dr.Su

April 28, 2022

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What Happens if You Don’t Take Estrogen After a Hysterectomy?

symptoms of low estrogen after hysterectomy

While getting a hysterectomy can help solve many serious medical issues it can also come with a price. If you are feeling tired or depressed after a hysterectomy you’re not alone.

Many women experience negative symptoms of low estrogen after getting a hysterectomy such as sexual discomfort or mood swings.

Luckily, you do not have to live with these negative symptoms.

In this article, we will explain the symptoms of low estrogen after a hysterectomy and what you can do to treat it.

Let’s dive in.

What is a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is when a doctor performs a surgical procedure to remove a woman’s uterus, also known as a womb. After a hysterectomy women no longer have menstrual periods or are able to become pregnant.

Many women who get a hysterectomy also get an oophorectomy during the procedure. This is when they surgically remove the ovaries. Nearly half of American women who have had a hysterectomy have also had their ovaries removed during the same surgery.

symptoms of low estrogen after hysterectomy

Types of Hysterectomies

There are three main types of hysterectomies:

  • Supracervical, or subtotal, hysterectomy – removes the upper part of the uterus
  • Total hysterectomy – removes uterus and cervix
  • Radical hysterectomy – removes auteur, tissue, cervix, and the top of the vagina.

Additionally, your doctor may also recommend removing your fallopian tubes in a procedure called salpingectomy. This procedure is where your uterus, ovaries, and fallopian tubes are removed.

The type of hysterectomy your surgeon performs will depend on the cause and what they think would be best for your desired outcome.

Causes for a Hysterectomy

There are several reasons a doctor may recommend getting a hysterectomy including:

  • Cancer of the uterus or ovaries
  • Uterine fibroids – benign lumps on a uterus that causes bleeding and pain
  • Uterine prolapse – when the uterus slides out of its usual position
  • Endometriosis – when tissues grow outside of the uterus that is meant to be inside
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding – bleeding that occurs between periods
  • Chronic pelvic pain – pain in lower abdomen/pelvis that lasts at least 6 months
  • Adenomyosis – uterus inner lining thickening and breaking through muscle walls

If you are experiencing any of these health problems contact a doctor to see if you should get a hysterectomy.

What Happens After a Hysterectomy?

Hormones are essential for key brain functions. When you remove your uterus and ovaries, you are no longer producing hormones at the necessary level. Your ovaries make the most estrogen in your body so an oophorectomy causes a large drop.

Depending on the type of hysterectomy you get your side effects may vary. When you get a subtotal hysterectomy you’re still producing hormones, just at a lower level.

The loss of hormones can affect your:

  • Mood
  • Metabolism
  • Growth
  • Reproduction
  • Sexual health

It is important to understand what symptoms to look out for to determine if you are experiencing low levels of estrogen.

Symptoms of Low Estrogen After Hysterectomy

Some symptoms that you may experience after a hysterectomy are not treatable. However, if you start to experience symptoms due to a hysterectomy you may want to take action to address low estrogen. Treating your hormonal imbalance early on you can prevent more serious symptoms from forming.

symptoms of low estrogen after hysterectomy

Some symptoms you may experience from low estrogen can include:

  • Hot flashes
  • Vaginal discomfort
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Early menopause
  • Memory loss
  • Muscle weakness

Not only that but lack of estrogen can also cause serious long-term effects.

Alzheimer’s Caused By Lack of Brain-Nourishing Hormones

One study found that women who removed their ovaries before 40 and did not receive hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have double the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

This is because the sex hormone, estrogen, binds together with a receptor in your brain reducing the production of the protein amyloid-beta. This causes plaque to form on the brain of those with Alzheimer’s.

Hormone Therapy Balances Hormone

Hormone therapy, specifically estrogen therapy, can help reduce symptoms of low estrogen after a hysterectomy. It is especially recommended to women in their 20-40’s who had the procedure and have not started menopause.

What is Estrogen Therapy?

 

symptoms of low estrogen after hysterectomy

Estrogen therapy is when a doctor prescribed estrogen to replace your naturally produced estrogen. The treatment can come in the form of a cream or pill. The level of estrogen in a dose also varies depending on your body’s hormonal needs.

Depending on the treatment plan you determine with your doctor you may need to take multiple doses.

Too much estrogen is also not good for you, so talking to a doctor and getting tested is important.

Tip: In caring for your sexual health, you should also consider abnormal pap smear testing.

Benefits of Estrogen HRT

With hormone therapy, you can improve your sexual health and overall well-being. For some, it can help reduce the side effects of early menopause.

symptoms of low estrogen after hysterectomy

When you have just gotten a hysterectomy to improve your health the last thing you want is to experience more health issues.

Hormone replacement therapy can help balance your hormone levels which can:

  • Strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis
  • Decrease hot flashes
  • Reduces risk of gum disease
  • Improves sleep
  • Prevents vaginal dryness and soreness
  • Slows loss of skin collagen

Additionally, bioidentical hormone replacement can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Balance Your Estrogen Levels With Whole Health

If you are experiencing symptoms of low estrogen after getting a hysterectomy, Whole Health JC can offer treatment options.

Dr. Jen will start with a comprehensive visit with you during which your hormone levels will be tested either through drawing your blood or by saliva testing. This will help determine if estrogen treatment is necessary.

You will receive a customized hormone replacement treatment to give your body what it needs.

At Whole Health JC, we do not use a commercially-branded bioidentical hormone replacement and instead use Tolson Drug Apothecary which will compound your unique hormone cream or prescribe traditional hormone replacement.

Visit our website or call us at 573-893-5500 for a free consultation.

Dr. Jen

January 14, 2022

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