Hormone Optimization
Understanding Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalance can occur at any age and can be influenced by various factors, including aging, stress, lifestyle, environmental factors, and underlying health conditions. Both men and women can experience hormone imbalances, which may manifest in different ways.
Hormone Optimization at WellPathNP
At WellPathNP, we take a comprehensive approach to hormone balance, offering a comprehensive labs and hormone screening, along with a range of therapies tailored to your individual needs. Our goal is to restore optimal hormone levels by address underlying causes of hormone imbalance or by using bioidentical hormones to improve your overall health and well-being.
Initial appointment is typically 60 minutes, with recommendations for targeted lab tests. Follow up and personalized treatment plan developed upon lab analysis.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance
For Women:
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Irregular periods or heavy menstrual bleeding
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Hot flashes and night sweats
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Mood swings, anxiety, or depression
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Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen
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Fatigue and low energy
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Decreased libido
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Vaginal dryness
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Sleep disturbances
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Hair loss
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Muscle loss
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Skin changes
For Men:
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Fatigue and lack of energy
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Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction
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Loss of muscle mass and strength
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Weight gain, particularly in the midsection
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Mood changes, including irritability or depression
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Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
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Hair loss
Articles
Decades of Misguided Information: Hormone Replacement Therapy in Menopause
The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was a landmark study first published in 2002, but its findings were initially interpreted in ways that led to decades of misunderstandings and controversy, particularly around hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Several aspects of the WHI's interpretations and subsequent sweeping vilification of HRT have been re-evaluated in recent years showing important flaws in the study. Age Matters: Most women will experience menopause in their early 50’s, but the average age of participants was around 63. When looking at the data in the women who were recently diagnosed as menopausal versus those who were years to more than a decade post-menopausal, the potential negative effects showed that timing and age-related risks varied dramatically. Breast Cancer Risk: The WHI initially reported an increased risk of breast cancer with combined estrogen-progestin therapy. It is important to note that the estrogen and progestin forms were not the bioidentical forms of these hormones (estradiol and progesterone). Continued research has shown that progestin (not bioidentical progesterone) is associated with increased breast cancer risk. Also, estrogen-alone therapy did not show the same increased risk and may even decrease breast cancer risk in some cases. Cardiovascular Health: Early reports suggested that HRT increased the risk of heart disease universally. Later evaluations and subgroup analyses highlighted that the timing of initiation relative to menopause onset is critical. Those who began HRT closer to the onset of menopause may have a different risk profile, sometimes even showing cardiovascular benefits compared to those who started much later. Stroke and Blood Clots: Diving into the WHI analyses of subgroups show that risks of blood clots and stroke were associated with oral estrogen, not transdermal bio-identical, and the baseline cardiovascular risk of the women.
To hear more about this updated hormone research:
What Benefits Can Women Gain with Hormone Therapy?
What if you could alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and other menopausal symptoms? What if you don’t have any notable symptoms, but your bone health is rapidly declining? Do you yearn for the days when you could sleep? Are you feeling more anxious that you did when you were in your 30’s and early 40’s? As more research is done on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), providers and the women they treat, are talking about the benefits of HRT and creating individualized plans. Bio-identical estrogen (estradiol) can be used topically to effectively relieve menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. Lack of estrogen doesn’t just cause these symptoms; it leads to impactful health issues such as osteoporosis and increased cardiovascular events. Many women with an ongoing estrogen deficiency may also note a “new” mid-life “belly” that won’t budge with a healthy diet and exercise and report that menopause has negatively impacted their mood and mental health. Bio-identical progesterone is known to markedly improve sleep and to reduce anxiety – and unwelcome change that often creeps up during perimenopause and menopause. Progesterone works with estrogen to improve bone health and often can reduce hair loss that can occur with declining progesterone levels. The importance of a personalized treatment plan is very important since there are other hormones, like cortisol (a stress hormone), that can have a big impact on hormone balance and how you feel. Additionally, age, symptom profile, health risks, and personal preferences are critical factors your practitioner should understand and discuss with you when prescribing HRT.
For more a review of the evidence, go to: "Hormone Therapy for the Management of Menopause: A Review of the Evidence": The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
Testosterone: Is It Only for Men?
Testosterone and estrogen are often stereotypically labeled as the "male" and "female" hormones, respectively. However, both hormones are essential for the health of men and women. With growing interest in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), this field has become a focus of extensive research into its benefits for both sexes. In men, testosterone is widely recognized for enhancing mood, quality of life, and sexual function. Numerous studies have demonstrated that TRT can improve mood, increase energy levels, and enhance overall quality of life for men with low or suboptimal testosterone levels, also helping to alleviate symptoms of depression. Additionally, TRT is well-documented for its ability to increase lean body mass, improve bone mineral density, and boost muscle strength in testosterone-deficient men. Beyond its effects on mood, energy, and muscle, TRT has shown promising benefits for metabolic health. It can help reduce fat mass and enhance insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. While the link between TRT and cardiovascular health is complex, recent studies suggest that properly managed TRT does not increase, and may even decrease, the risk of cardiovascular events in men with low testosterone. For women, testosterone provides many similar benefits, including improved sexual function and increased sexual desire, which can be especially significant for postmenopausal women dealing with sexual dysfunction. Testosterone also positively influences mood, energy levels, and cognitive function, helping to address issues like brain fog. Like in men, testosterone in women aids in maintaining bone density and supports muscle mass growth and insulin sensitivity. Together, this contributes to better metabolic health. For symptomatic men and women with low or sub-optimal testosterone levels, TRT can be another important hormone for hormone optimization. Regular monitoring and a personalized approach in administering TRT are crucial to achieving desired testosterone levels while managing any potential side effects.