Hormone Imbalance :
The aesthetic decline is one of the most feared processes of aging. For instance, wrinkles, saggy skin, and white hair are the physiological consequences of such a passage. However, what really triggers those feared changes are inside of us, and by addressing the cause, we can ease the problem. Do you know what really indicates that you are aging?
Your hormones !
Yes, hormonal loss begins at the age of 30, the physiological milestone for the beginning of old age!
Hormones are chemical messengers that are secreted directly into the blood, which carries them to organs and tissues of the body to exert their functions. There are many types of hormones that act on different aspects of bodily functions and processes. Such as development and growth, metabolism of food items, sexual function and reproductive growth, cognitive function and mood. Also maintenance of body temperature and thirst.
Loosing hormones is a natural process, but there are ways to deal with it. And believe me, this is the intersection of healthy living. That’s because, we only usually remember testosterone and estrogen when we talk about hormonal modulation, right?
During her life, a women experience many stages in hormone fluctuations. Hormone levels do not decrease overnight. Instead a women enter a phase of her reproductive life known as perimenopause, where her hormone levels start to decrease. This process begins at the age of 30 years old. This phase causes symptoms and signals that menopause may occur in the next coming years.
What are these hormones ?
These hormones or sex hormones are:
Estrogen – There are a number of naturally occurring forms of estrogen. The main estrogens in humans are estrone, estradiol and estriol.
Estradiol is the most potent form in non-pregnant, reproductive-aged females and primarily aids in ovulation. Estradiol has benefit effects on the heart, bone, brain and the colon.
Symptoms, such as hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal atrophy are just few examples of a drop in Estradiol levels. After menopause its lower levels impact tissues throughout the body, contributing to a range of disease risks and frailty.
Progesterone – has unique and essential functions in ovulation, implantation, pregnancy, and breast development and function. Progesterone plays a role in regulating cognitive function, social behavior, mood and has demonstrated neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in the nervous system. Since some progesterone metabolites have anti-anxiety effects, it is thought that progesterone depletion may contribute to the increased incidence of anxiety and mood disorders seen in early menopause.
Testosterone – affects fertility, sexual desire, menstruation, tissue and bone mass and red blood cell production. Testosterone levels in women gradually decrease with age. Loss of testosterone affects libido, bone and muscle mass, vasomotor symptoms, cardiovascular health, mood and well-being.
What are the stages of hormonal fluctuations?
Perimenopause – “peri” means surrounding or near menopause. During this stage the body reduces the amount of estrogen and eggs it produces. This process begins to occur after the age of 30 years old! Ultimately, ovaries will stop releasing the eggs and as a result menses cease. Though, woman can be in perimenopause and still get pregnant.
Perimenopause can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years.
Symptoms:
Irregular periods – normally is the first symptom.
Other symptoms include night sweats, insomnia, dry, thinning skin, hair loss, hot flashes or a sudden sense of heat, mood swings, urinary urgency or need to urinate more often, vaginal dryness and weight gain.
Menopause – the term is defined as the time when a woman has not had a period for 12 months in a row. The estrogen in the ovaries slows down considerably and the symptoms experienced in perimenopause continue into menopause, more pronounced. Menopause can occur before age 45 years old and it is known as premature menopause. But normally occurs an average age of about 51 years old on.
Symptoms: during this stage a woman may experience symptoms similar to perimenopause, but they can be more pronounced due to hormone levels dropped significantly. These changes are hot flashes, poor sleeping and vaginal dryness also called vasomotor symptoms.
Postmenopause – is the stage after menopause where women experience an increase in symptoms associated with reduced estrogen production. This phase will last for the reminder of her life.
All these declines are called Hormone Imbalance !
When hormones are out of balance, changes can occur.
Long-term hormone imbalance might cause a myriad of negative health effects such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular risks, sex drive reduced, among others.
Studies have demonstrated the benefits of keeping healthy hormone levels, and modern medicine may offer women safe and effective options to promote youthful hormone levels. You have a opportunity to rejuvenate your body along with your outlook on getting older.
How does it works?
I will talk about the treatment that I personally use since 8 years. Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy.
Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy uses hormones that are identical to the ones produced naturally in the body. They are not associated with the risks of conventional hormone therapy.
Until very recently, conventional medicine promoted Synthetic Hormone Replacement Therapy, used especially in menopausal women and men with fear of impotence, to ease symptoms. Steady research has rised some questions that such a practice might increase the risk of developing some types of cancer, as well as risk to develop cardiovascular problems.
Bioidentical Hormones are formulated from natural plant sources, such as yams, and are made to exactly match the molecular structure of hormones present in your body. These hormones bind to your body’s hormone receptors in the exact same way as the hormones produced naturally by your body. You recapture the balance and energy of youth, instead of setting for the effects of aging.
BHRT – is used not only for menopause symptoms, but also for other conditions such as PMS (Pre-Menstrual Syndrome) or Estrogen Dominance, which affects millions of women.
Estrogen dominance occurs when there is too much estrogen in relation to progesterone at certain stages of the menstrual cycle. Diet and excess body fat can contribute for this imbalance of Estrogen.
How diet contributes for these imbalances?
It is not just aging that makes us lose hormones.
Our diet, daily unhealthy habits and environment also contribute to an early decrease in hormonal secretion, often compromising our well-being. Low hormone levels is the origin of some chronic diseases, such as infertility, depression, anxiety, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases and others.
Be aware that Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy should be tailored to each person’s need and a medical follow up is necessary. It is important that you talk to your doctor about strategies for better types of treatment.
You can improve hormonal imbalance by modifying your diet and lifestyle. Both women and men having a healthy life, a diet rich in natural foods, practicing at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 times a week and sleeping well can naturally mitigate the decrease in hormonal levels.
Remember to drink alcohol in moderation and avoid smoking to have a more successful effect of a natural lifestyle!
by Helena
Naturalize Yourself !
resourses:
mayoclinic.com
J Womens health(Larchmt)2014Aug;23(8):642-8
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov