Balancing Hormones Naturally: The Role of Bioidentical Hormones
Contents
Understanding hormonal imbalances
What are bioidentical hormones?
The role of bioidentical hormones
Benefits of balancing hormones naturally
Lifestyle factors to achieve hormonal balance
Restore your hormonal equilibrium with bioidentical therapy
Nearly half of American women and around 38% of American men have some form of hormonal imbalance.
Maintaining hormonal balance is the key to stable energy levels and overall health. Unforeseen circumstances can cause dwindling estrogen and testosterone levels, drastically affecting your quality of life.
Bioidentical hormones replicate your body’s natural molecular structure and restore hormonal equilibrium. Let’s talk about how bioidentical hormone therapy can help you feel like yourself again.
Understanding hormonal imbalances
Most people will experience hormonal imbalances in their lifetime. In fact, 80% of women have this condition, and some don’t even know it.
Hormonal imbalances produce symptoms that can be mistaken for other illnesses, which is why they’re hard to diagnose. Let’s unpack the signs and causes of hormonal imbalances.
Signs and symptoms of hormonal imbalances
Hormonal imbalances cause varying reactions in males and females. Below are some of the most common symptoms.
Mood swings
Estrogen, the female sex hormone, affects neurotransmitters in the brain, like serotonin. When estrogen fluctuates, it causes premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or perimenopause symptoms. It’s also a huge contributor to the effects of postpartum hormones.
The fluctuation of estrogen creates unstable levels of serotonin and dopamine, which could cause depression, frustration, and fleeting glee.
Testosterone, the male sex hormone, also causes mood swings when it’s imbalanced. Men may experience irritability, lack of motivation, and anxiety.
Low libido
Falling levels of estrogen and testosterone may cause a reduced sex drive in women. It’s particularly common during perimenopause or menopause. Uncomfortable symptoms like night sweats, depression, and restlessness may also reduce sexual desire.
Men with low testosterone may have a reduced sex drive or experience issues like erectile dysfunction.
Sleep difficulties
During menopause, women may experience chronic fatigue and lack of energy. The ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone. Both these hormones promote sleep and relaxation.
Testosterone levels in men also drop gradually, which increases the circulation of cortisol. One of cortisol’s key functions is to keep you alert, which isn’t helpful when you want to have a deep sleep.
Weight instability
Unexplainable weight gain or loss is a common signal that hormones are imbalanced in both men and women.
An underactive thyroid, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), menopause, and lack of testosterone can all cause weight gain, especially around the waist.
Skin problems
Adult acne can signal low estrogen and progesterone levels in women. It may mean they have high levels of androgen hormones, which is likely due to PCOS.
In men, a lack of testosterone may cause thin, dry skin that wrinkles more easily. It can make a person look older and cause other symptoms like hair loss.
Common causes of hormonal imbalances
The causes of hormonal imbalances are difficult to pinpoint, and you’ll usually need to talk with your physician first. Sometimes, hormonal imbalances are normal, like when women are menstruating or during periods of high stress like grief.
Here are some of the common causes of hormonal imbalances in men and women.
Thyroid issues
An underactive or overactive thyroid can cause an imbalance of hormones in your body. They can create reduced signals for hormones like estrogen or testosterone.
Long-term stress
High-stress situations that extend over a long period can cause an increase in cortisol. Excess levels of this hormone may trigger Cushing’s syndrome and other hormonal imbalances.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders, like anorexia nervosa or binge eating disorder, can offset your natural hormones.
Under-eating can result in reduced estrogen, which could cause loss of menstrual cycles and fertility issues.
Overeating can affect the hormones that control hunger, like ghrelin, and affect metabolism. However, a lack of estrogen may also trigger overeating.
What are bioidentical hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are extracts from plants that are chemically similar to the ones your body naturally makes. They’re specifically designed to mimic the hormones your glands produce. Estrogen and progesterone are the most common bioidentical women’s hormones.
Your endocrine glands make chemicals (hormones) that instruct various parts of your body what to do and when. They affect many functions in your body, from sexual drive to motivation. Even a minor hormonal imbalance can cause noticeable symptoms.
Testosterone is one of the male hormones that bioidentical therapy can replace effectively. The plant hormones used in bioidentical hormones differ from synthetic hormones like anabolic steroids.
Synthetic hormones like Provera don’t have a similar molecular structure to the hormones you naturally produce. Your body converts them into a usable form of hormone.
Bioidentical hormone therapy (BHRT) comes from plants. It has a similar molecular structure to the hormones your body naturally produces.
The role of bioidentical hormones
Bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as natural hormones. This similarity allows them to easily bind to the same receptors that natural hormones do.
The fact that they bind to the same receptors allows bioidentical hormones to exert similar physiological effects. That’s why physicians can use bioidentical hormones for menopausal symptoms and ailments caused by a lack of natural hormones.
Once bioidentical hormones enter your bloodstream, they circulate and bind to certain hormone receptors. These receptors sit on the surface of target cells and interact with hormone molecules that have a specific three-dimensional structure.
Since bioidentical hormones have the same molecular structure as natural hormones, the receptors recognize them. Over time, the receptors consistently latch onto the bioidentical hormones and your body regains hormonal balance.
Doctors use bioidentical hormones in hormone replacement therapy because they closely replicate the physiological effects of natural hormones. They can restore balance and relieve uncomfortable symptoms caused by imbalances like mood swings.
Benefits of balancing hormones naturally
What happens when you balance your hormones for optimal health? Honestly, you’ll feel like a whole new person. Many of our patients report feeling like their younger selves again.
Of course, using synthetic hormones won’t likely make you feel amazing, but they do have their place in certain treatments. Balancing your hormones with bioidentical hormones has a healing effect on your body. Below are some benefits you can expect.
Improved mental state
Hormone imbalances can cause mood swings, depression, and irritability. Balancing them out naturally will give you more stable dopamine and serotonin levels.
It can make you feel happier and calmer. One benefit that surprises our patients is feeling more motivated and being able to focus better.
Increased energy and stamina
When your hormones are off balance, it can cause fatigue and decreased stamina. The lack of stamina is especially prevalent in men with low testosterone levels and women with low estrogen.
Once your hormones are balanced, you feel more energized to tackle daily tasks. You also won’t get tired as quickly. The stamina boost is a real game-changer when you’re hitting the gym.
Younger looking skin
A lack of estrogen can cause acne and dry skin in women. Testosterone deficiency causes dry, wrinkly skin in men.
Balancing your hormones naturally boosts circulation and gives you glowy, bouncy skin. Male patients may also notice new hair growth after male pattern baldness due to testosterone deficiency.
Healthy weight and faster metabolism
An estrogen deficiency may affect the hunger hormone, ghrelin. Affected women can feel constant hunger, leading to binge eating and weight gain. A lack of testosterone may hinder the development of lean muscle and promote abdominal fat in men.
Many hormone imbalances create an increase in cortisol. Excess cortisol affects the metabolism and causes insatiable blood sugar levels and abdominal weight gain.
Balancing your hormones naturally with bioidentical hormones can help you maintain a healthy weight by boosting your metabolism. It could also drop cortisol levels and promote the development of lean muscle in men.
Better reproductive health, fertility, and sexual performance
Hormonal imbalance in women can cause a decreased sex drive. It can also create vaginal dryness, which negatively affects sexual experiences. By naturally balancing their hormones, female patients experience healthy sexual desire and reduced discomfort.
Men with low testosterone levels can experience reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction. It may also cause decreased stamina, which may affect sexual performance.
Balancing testosterone levels with bioidentical hormones should stabilize sex drive and increase stamina. It may also prevent symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction, like premature ejaculation.
Importance of consulting with a healthcare professional
Hormone imbalances may not cause noticeable symptoms when they begin. Left untreated over time, they can affect your daily quality of life.
It’s crucial to speak to a healthcare provider or try our naturopathic consults if you notice any symptoms of a hormone imbalance. It’s easier to treat when symptoms first start, but bioidentical hormone therapy can help at any stage.
Usually, your healthcare provider will test your levels using a blood test, since your endocrine glands release hormones into your bloodstream. The doctor will typically request a blood test for the following factors.
- Thyroid function
- Cortisol levels
- Estradiol test to check estrogen levels (females)
- A total testosterone test to check testosterone levels (males)
Once the blood tests are done, your healthcare provider will tailor bioidentical hormone therapy to meet your needs.
Lifestyle factors to achieve hormonal balance
A healthy lifestyle paired with bioidentical hormone therapy is the best way to balance your hormones. Here are the top three factors to adopt.
The role of nutrition in supporting hormone health
Diet is an essential part of balancing your hormones naturally. The energy and nutrients in food are the raw ingredients that fuel your thyroid. For instance, steroid hormones come from cholesterol, which can be achieved through diet.
IV therapies are an effective way to ensure you get sufficient nutrition in your diet. They can also provide you with vitamins you lack to help maintain balanced hormones.
Certain treatments, like NAD+ IV therapy, are especially useful for people with hormonal imbalances. They can reduce symptoms like fatigue and a slow metabolism.
Importance of regular exercise and stress management
Many people think they can get away with not exercising, but your hormones need daily movement to thrive.
Regular exercise decreases your body’s stress hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline. It also releases feel-good hormones known as endorphins. They can boost your levels of good cholesterol, speed up your metabolism, and increase energy.
Studies show that even twelve weeks of exercise can help balance hormones. You don’t have to do a crazy routine. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workouts or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity routines a week.
Stress management is also essential for keeping your hormones balanced. High stress levels boost cortisol, which causes weight gain and lower levels of estrogen and testosterone.
Stress management practices, like meditation and yoga, help release serotonin and lower stress hormones. They keep your mood stable and your hormones balanced.
Avoiding endocrine-disrupting substances
Endocrine-disrupting substances are found in the environment, personal care products, food items, and other manufactured products. They can trick your body by mimicking hormones or blocking your natural hormones.
While it’s nearly impossible to cut out all endocrine-disrupting substances, you should aim to avoid the following substances.
- Industrial chemicals and pesticides
- Household chemicals
- Hygiene or beauty products with chemicals or antibacterial properties
- Processed food
- Soy-based products
Restore your hormonal equilibrium with bioidentical therapy
Bioidentical hormone therapy is an effective way to restore balance. Compared to synthetic hormones, bioidentical ones have a similar molecular structure to your natural hormones. They bind to your receptors and create the same physiological effects.
While bioidentical hormone therapy can help you regain hormonal balance, it’s best to take a holistic approach.
We recommend making healthier food choices, exercising regularly, and cutting out endocrine-disrupting substances, in addition to bioidentical hormone therapy.
Are you ready to start your journey towards balanced hormones and a healthy lifestyle? Book a consultation with LIVV Natural today to discover how to restore hormonal balance in your body.
Author: Dr. Jason Phan NMD – Founder of LIVV Natural – Anti-aging – regenerative medicine – peptide therapy
