BHRT for Women
Progesterone and the human estrogen hormones, estradiol, estriol and estrone, and testosterone are the sex hormones that dramatically affect our well being. All of these hormones are produced in the ovaries of women, while men in their testicles produce testosterone, and women also have a small amount produced by their adrenal glands.
Signs and Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Night Sweats
- Weight Gain
- Headache
- Loss of Libido
- Osteoporosis
- Insomnia
- Diminished Mental Clarity
- Endometrosis
- Lack of Energy
- Fibrocystic Breast Disease
- Hot Flashes
- Vaginal Dryness
In women, fatigue, night sweats, weight gain, headaches, loss of libido, osteoporosis, insomnia, diminished mental clarity, endometriosis, lack of energy or drive, fibrocystic breast disease, hot flashes and vaginal dryness can all be caused by a decline and imbalance of the naturally occurring sex hormones. Additionally, women who are still menstruating often complain of irregular menstrual cycles, heavier periods with cramping, premenstrual breast tenderness, mood swings, fluid retention and headaches when they have hormonal imbalance.
Progesterone Facts
The key hormone in women of all ages is progesterone. Progesterone strengthens the bones, protects the breasts, calms the nerves, promotes restful sleep and decreases fluid retention. As women progress through the menstrual phase of their lives, the natural aging process causes a decline in progesterone production. Inevitably they develop progesterone deficiency, also known as estrogen dominance. Progesterone provides an essential balance to the estrogen hormones. Contrary to conventional wisdom, women who have had a total hysterectomy benefit from progesterone supplementation because every cell in a woman’s body has receptors for progesterone, most importantly those in the brain.
Perimenopausal and Menopause
Perimenopausal and menopausal women may also suffer from estrogen deficiency as well. In these instances, replenishment with bio-identical estrogen hormones in combination with progesterone is often beneficial.
Thyroid and Adrenal Function
Thyroid and adrenal function also decline as a part of the natural aging process. Fatigue, weight gain, depression, decreased mental sharpness, insomnia, joint and muscle aches and pains, loss of libido, hair loss, cold sensitivity, recurrent infections and elevated cholesterol are some of the classical symptoms of hypothyroidism or low thyroid.
Stress and Cortisol
The hormones secreted by the adrenal glands enable you to deal with stress caused by allergies, hormonal imbalances, low thyroid, injury or difficult life experiences. The chronic stress that many people experience on an ongoing basis in today’s fast-paced society may cause adrenal fatigue. When your adrenal glands become exhausted, your natural cortisol levels drop significantly. Cortisol is your naturally occurring stress hormone. Contrary to popular opinion, physiological levels of cortisol are essential for good health. Cortisol bolsters your immune system, increasing your resistance to infections and inflammation. Cortisol also promotes the assimilation of thyroid hormones and sex hormones by the cells of your body. Low levels of cortisol have been associated with lowered metabolism and a weakened immune system.
The adrenal glands also produce dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This hormone enhances brain function, muscle tone and libido. Additionally, the adrenal glands produce pregnenolone.
Pregnenolone is the building block of all the adrenal hormones and exerts a powerful effect on the brain, enhancing memory. All of these hormones decline as we age, and their decreased availability causes symptoms that affect our quality of life. Measurement of these hormones can reveal deficiencies that we may then correct with supplementation.
In both women and men, natural, bio-identical hormone replenishment can reverse the decline in health and alleviate, or even completely eliminate these symptoms and restore youthful energy and vitality.
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