Hormones

Hormones play a powerful role in how you feel, function, and age. They influence everything from energy, mood, and metabolism to sleep, libido, and weight. For both men and women, even small imbalances can have a big impact. At WellPathNP in Cumberland Foreside, Maine, board-certified family health and functional medicine nurse practitioner Kiera Preston understands the importance of hormone health. If you're experiencing hormone concerns, she has the expertise to help restore balance, improve how you feel, and support your long-term wellness. Call the office today to book an appointment, or click the contact page to request a visit.

What are hormones?

Hormones are chemical messengers that play a vital role in controlling many of your body's key functions, such as mood, metabolism, energy levels, sleep patterns, libido, and more. Your hormones are produced by glands in your endocrine system, which must remain in balance for your body to function properly. If you have just one hormone that's too high or too low, you can have symptoms that disrupt your health and quality of life.

Hormone health involves more than just estrogen and testosterone. Other key players include cortisol (the stress hormone), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (involved in hormone production and aging), and insulin (which regulates blood sugar). 

Factors like detoxification, gut health, and nutrient availability also influence hormone balance. At WellPathNP, Kiera understands the full picture through comprehensive testing that offers deeper insight into what's happening in your body.

What are the symptoms of hormone imbalance in women and men?

Hormone imbalances can occur differently for everyone. 

Common symptoms in women include:

• Irregular periods
• Hot flashes
• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Low libido
• Anxiety
• Mood swings
• Trouble sleeping
• Joint pain
• Blood sugar dysregulation

In men, signs may include:

• Low testosterone
• Decreased muscle mass
• Erectile dysfunction
• Brain fog
• Low energy
• Hair loss
• Irritability

These changes are often subtle at first but may worsen over time if left unaddressed.

What causes your hormones to be imbalanced?

Several factors can disrupt hormone levels, including:

• Chronic stress
• Poor diet
• Lack of sleep
• Insulin resistance
• Aging
• Toxin exposure
• Gut health imbalances
• Certain medications
  

For example, stress increases cortisol, which can throw off sex hormone production and lead to fatigue, low libido, and weight gain.

Gut issues may also impair hormone detoxification, allowing excess hormones to recirculate in the body.

What treatment can balance hormones?

Functional medicine looks at hormone health from all angles. Kiera uses advanced testing to evaluate hormone levels, metabolism, and related systems like cortisol, insulin, and detox pathways. She creates a personalized plan that may include bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) for men and women, along with lifestyle, nutritional, and supplement support.

With her extensive training and clinical experience, Kiera can help you regain balance naturally by addressing the root causes and tailoring treatment to your needs.

Whether you're dealing with fatigue, mood changes, or aging-related shifts, book an appointment at WellPathNP to learn more about balancing your hormones. Call or schedule online today.