At Better Way Wellness, we understand that hormonal imbalances can be a major source of discomfort and frustration for both men and women. In the United States alone, around 80 percent of women suffer from some type of hormonal imbalance, while about 39 percent of men aged 45 and older have low testosterone levels. These imbalances can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including weight gain, low energy, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has proven to be an effective method for addressing hormonal imbalances. Our team of experienced healthcare professionals can help you recognize the symptoms of hormonal imbalances and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. With our natural and effective hormone therapy options, we can help you achieve optimal hormonal balance and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Hormone Therapy
What is Hormone Therapy?
Hormone therapy involves providing the body with the hormones it may be lacking due to a hormonal imbalance. Hormonal imbalances can lead to negative effects on your health, which is why it is important to address them. At Better Way Wellness, we offer a variety of natural and effective hormone replacement therapy options to help correct hormonal imbalances.
It is important to choose the right form of hormone replacement therapy and delivery method based on your individual needs and hormone deficiencies. Our experienced healthcare professionals can help you determine the best treatment option for your unique situation.
Recognizing the symptoms of hormonal imbalances is also crucial. Symptoms may include weight gain, low energy, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to schedule a consultation with one of our healthcare professionals to determine if hormone therapy is right for you. With our personalized approach, we can help you achieve optimal hormonal balance and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Why Hormone Therapy?
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Women
Hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on women’s health and well-being. Women may experience a range of symptoms related to hormonal imbalances, which can affect them physically and emotionally. These symptoms may include:
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Hot flashes: sudden sensations of warmth, often accompanied by sweating and reddening of the skin.
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Night sweats: excessive sweating during the night, which can disrupt sleep and lead to feelings of fatigue and tiredness.
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Hair loss: thinning of hair or hair loss can be a sign of hormonal imbalances.
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Vaginal dryness: a lack of natural lubrication can cause discomfort, itching, or pain during sex.
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Anxiety: excessive worry or fear, which can lead to nervousness, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
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Depression: a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or worthlessness, which can affect daily life.
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Irregular periods: changes in the menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or heavy bleeding.
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Brain fog: difficulty with concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions.
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Weight gain: difficulty losing weight or gaining weight unexpectedly.
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Low energy: feeling fatigued or lacking in energy, even after getting enough sleep.
Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance in Men
Hormone imbalances in men are often caused by low testosterone. These imbalances can occur in mid-life or earlier. Below is a short list of symptoms men may experience due to hormonal imbalance:
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Low sex drive: a decreased desire for sexual activity.
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Muscle loss: a decrease in muscle mass, strength, and endurance.
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Hair loss: thinning of hair or hair falling out in larger than usual amounts.
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Erectile dysfunction: difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
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Night sweats: excessive sweating during sleep that can lead to discomfort and insomnia.
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Fatigue: feeling tired, weak, or lacking in energy.
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Irritability: easily becoming annoyed or angry, often leading to mood swings.
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Mood swings: abrupt and intense changes in emotional state.
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Memory loss: difficulty remembering things, often leading to forgetfulness or confusion.
Causes of Hormone Imbalance
Long Term Health Risks of Hormone Imbalance
If left untreated, hormonal imbalances can lead to several long-term health risks. Men who have low testosterone levels may experience weak bones and muscles, along with substantial weight gain. Women with hormonal imbalances may suffer from acne, mood swings, depression, and abnormal hair growth. Furthermore, some women may be at higher risk of developing uterine or other cancers related to feminine organs such as the ovaries or vagina. Both men and women with hormonal imbalances may also face the risk of infertility.
How Is Hormonal Imbalance Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider can diagnose hormonal imbalances by evaluating your medical history, symptoms, and laboratory results. They may order blood tests to measure hormone levels and identify any imbalances. In some cases, the symptoms may be obvious, such as excess fat distribution in a feminine pattern or unusual hair growth or balding in women, which may indicate a hormonal imbalance. Your provider will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and hormonal imbalances.
What are the Different HRT Delivery Methods?
When considering hormone replacement therapy (HRT), it’s important to know that there are several different delivery methods available. At Better Way Wellness, we want to ensure that your treatment is seamless, fits your lifestyle, and achieves optimal results during each treatment cycle.
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Creams and Gels
Creams and gels are common HRT methods, but they come with risks such as transferring to others through contact and requiring daily application, which can impact consistent and effective relief. Pills offer precise dosing, but they need to be taken daily and compete with the harsh environment of the gut....
Patches provide convenience but may not adhere well when exposed to water or certain fabrics, and the volume of hormone declines towards the end of the treatment cycle, leading to the return of unwanted symptoms. Injections enter the bloodstream directly, but they need to be administered every 7 to 10 days and are associated with discomfort and rollercoaster dosing effect.
Pills
While pills provide precise dosing and are convenient to travel with, they have their drawbacks. Since pills have to be taken daily, missing a dose can negatively impact treatment. Moreover, pills have to endure the harsh environment of the gut, which can hinder their effectiveness....
While they are designed to be absorbed effectively through the GI tract, they do not offer the same level of consistency as other delivery methods.
Patches
While patches offer the convenience of "set it and forget it," they may be bulky and not discreet under certain clothing. Additionally, they may not adhere well when in contact with water or certain fabrics, which can impact treatment if the patch falls off. The volume of hormone in the patch also ... declines towards the end of the treatment cycle, which can lead to the return of unwanted symptoms until a new patch is applied.
Injections
While injections offer highly effective absorption directly into the bloodstream, they must be administered every 7 to 10 days, and skipping or delaying a dose can impact treatment. Injections can also cause a rollercoaster dosing effect, where patients may experience a surge of hormones in the days ... after the injection followed by significant declines each day until the next injection, making symptom relief short-lived. Injections are also associated with discomfort, inflammation, bruising, bleeding, or pain at the injection site.
Pellets
Pellets are considered the preferred method of hormone replacement therapy due to their convenience and effectiveness. They are placed under the skin during a short medical visit and deliver a steady dose of hormone for several months, eliminating the need for daily administration ... of pills or the inconvenience and discomfort of injections. The steady dosing provided by pellets also most closely mimics the body's natural secretion of hormones, leading to optimal function and symptom relief.