As we age, our bodies change, including a slowing of hormone production in both sexes. These hormonal shifts can result in physical and emotional changes that may noticeably affect our quality of life.

Woman’s bodies experience regular hormonal fluctuations during monthly cycles and throughout the various stages of female reproductive aging. Hormonal shifts in women can lead to symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, insomnia, loss of muscle tone, weight gain, libido changes, vaginal dryness, PMS symptoms, cognitive changes, moodiness, irritability, heart palpitations and anxiety among others.

In men, hormonal changes are often referred to an andropause. It is known that hormone production, specifically testosterone production in the testes, declines as men age. In the past this was accepted as a part of the normal aging process. While not every man will experience the symptoms of low testosterone, some start experiencing symptoms in their early 40s with almost 50% experiencing symptoms by their 60s. Men commonly report loss of muscle mass and strength, mood changes, decreased vitality and sexual function, and impaired cognition.

What Can Be Done?

When lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise and supplements, fail to control symptoms, the next step many patients and their physician’s consider is hormone therapy. Hormones that are commonly replaced include estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone.

Multiple ways to replace hormones need to be considered. Blood levels are used to individualize bio-identical hormone replacement therapy. The hormone replacement therapy can include several modalities, such as topical, oral, vaginal, or subcutaneous pellets. Not every person is the same. Individualized therapy, including using multiple modalities if needed, should be considered.
Whether you’re dealing with PMS, peri-menopause, menopause, or andropause, or the effects of other hormonally driven conditions, we can help you customize a hormone therapy regimen to meet your needs. We look forward to hearing from you and working with you to individualize your hormone therapy.