Hormones are vital to our bodily functions. Hormones play a role in metabolism, growth, reproduction, and respiration. There needs to be a balance in hormone levels – not too high and not too low – for good health and well-being.
If you are experiencing symptoms that may be related to hormone imbalance, it is important to see a hormone doctor. A hormone specialist can help identify the source of your symptoms and recommend the appropriate treatment.
What Health Conditions Are Caused By Hormonal Imbalance?
You may be surprised at the most common diseases caused by hormonal imbalance. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and medical conditions such as menopause, osteoporosis, acne, weight gain, obesity, low sex drive, low testosterone levels are all caused in part by hormonal imbalances.
Treatments For Hormonal Imbalance
There are a few different ways to treat hormonal imbalance. One way is to undergo hormone replacement therapy, which is administered by a hormone doctor. The goal of hormone replacement therapy is to achieve hormonal balance by supplying the body with hormones it is not producing adequately.
For example, women who are going through menopause have decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone, which are known to cause a range of symptoms, from hot flashes and mood swings to painful intercourse and vaginal dryness. Hormone replacement therapy replaces the estrogen lost during menopause. The increase in levels improves symptoms such as insomnia, night sweats, mood swings, depression, and more. Hormone replacement therapy is available in different forms, such as pills, patches, creams, vaginal rings, and injectable pellets.
Another way to treat hormonal imbalance is to change your diet and lifestyle. This aspect of treatment is highly individualized to the patient. While you cannot control genetics and aging, you can control your diet and lifestyle, which are major contributors to hormone imbalance. A hormone doctor, with their in-depth understanding of hormones and how diet and lifestyle factors cause fluctuations, can design a treatment plan that helps improve your imbalance and maximizes the benefits of hormone replacement therapy.
In order to find the right hormone delivery method for you, your hormone doctor will first need to check your hormone levels. After a comprehensive evaluation, they will find the best delivery method for you. Your preference is an important factor for the type of hormone replacement therapy your doctor recommends. When your hormones are well-balanced, your body functions better.