The medical community has been resistant to acknowledge the truth about synthetic hormones and bioidentical hormones. The biggest misconceptions have centered around the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), initiated in 1991, which showed an increase in cancer incidence, cardiovascular issues, blood clots and stroke with taking Premarin and Provera. These are both synthetic hormones, not Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT). BHRT uses hormones that are identical in molecular structure to the hormones made in our body. They are more compatible with our body and allow a natural response, resulting in fewer risks and side effects than synthetic. BHRT has helped thousands of people regain their quality of life. BHRT uses hormones that work with all facets of the body. These hormones have significant positive effects on the body physically, sexually and mentally.
Most people over the age of 30 begin to experience hormonal imbalances of some sort; even they may not realize that it is hormone related. Most people pair hormone decline the natural process of getting older. Hormones can become irregular due to extreme stress, poor eating habits and lack of sleep. The symptoms that are the result of declining hormone levels are usually considered to be the normal consequence of aging and are commonly written off by healthcare providers. Even though lab values may be “normal” for our age, we need higher levels (like when we were younger) to have a better quality of life. A “normal” level does not necessarily refer to a therapeutic level. Sadly, ideal candidates for BHRT are written off every year but simply not educating themselves on the options. If you were experiencing chest pain, you have to ask yourself, would you go to a doctor that specializes in skin? The same situation would apply if you have symptoms of aging/hormone deficiency find a medical expert specifically in this field. Hormone imbalance is just as important as any other medical concern.
Women experience a sudden loss of some hormones during menopause. Peri-menopause can affect many women and can last from 3-6 years before menopause. Symptoms of peri-menopause include mood instability, anxiety, tiredness, hot flashes, loss of sex drive, vaginal dryness and memory loss After menopause, it is crucial to balance a woman’s hormones in order to fight the risk of heart issues.
Men can experience a slower, more unpredictable loss of hormones, which can vary depending on the individual. Men are more likely to blame their symptoms to normal aging as well but are less motivated to seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Common symptoms of hormone imbalance in men include low sex drive, tiredness, erectile dysfunction, memory loss, irritability, muscle loss, insomnia, anxiety, and increased body fat. The decline in men can be noticeable even as young as age 30.
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease/stroke/hypertension remain the leading killer of both women and men in the U.S. Research in both cases continues to link hormone deficiencies—low testosterone in men; estrogen loss in women—in combination with other risk factors to the increased risk for cardiovascular disease.
Hormonal balance is crucial to health and function for men and women. The sooner a hormonal imbalance is addressed, the less likely it is that symptoms will progress to disease.