Menopause — all women go through it. Most women will experience it around the average age of 51, but some may be surgically placed in menopause much earlier in life. Losing the reproductive hormones of estrogen and progesterone can result in symptoms such as hot flashes, breast changes, irritability, migraines, fatigue, joint pain, decreased libido, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. Women are also at an increased risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome, osteoporosis, cancer, and dementia.
The good news is bioidentical hormone replacement can relieve these symptoms and even provide protection against chronic health conditions. Not to be confused with synthetic hormones that come with the risk of blood clots and cancers, bioidentical hormones are naturally made from plant-based materials and have little to no increased risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. Backed by research studies, they are shown to protect against these conditions and can be used long-term without an increase in risk.Hormone replacement does not have to wait until menopause. Women begin to lose testosterone around age 30and may begin to experience symptoms around this time.Then, there is perimenopause, when hormone fluctuations can trigger an array of symptoms at random times — including changes in menstrual cycles, heavy bleeding, hot flashes, night sweats, and worsening PMS symptoms. Bioidentical hormones can help with these changes too.
“Bioidentical hormones are safe, effective, and beneficial for many people…”
Men also start to lose hormones in their 30s. This is sometimes termed “andropause.” Though it’s usually a more gradual decline than in women, when testosterone levels drop, men may experience fatigue, loss of muscle mass, joint pain, weight gain, brain fog, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and more. Synthetic testosterone replacement via injection can be beneficial, but patients may have substantial fluctuations in symptoms between injections, and they come with the risk of long-term complications. Bioidentical testosterone can deliver more consistent symptom relief without weekly injections and provide protection against heart disease, cancers, osteoporosis, and dementia.
Thyroid conditions are more common in women, but occur in men as well, and the risk increases with age.Common symptoms include cold intolerance, fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, constipation, dry skin, hair, and nails, and changes in menstruation. Thyroid hormones affect our reproductive hormones and contribute to the symptoms of perimenopause and menopause. Natural replacement of the active thyroid hormone in conjunction with other bioidentical hormones adds another level of symptom control.
The bottom line — Bioidentical hormones are safe, effective, and beneficial for many people. If you have experienced the symptoms mentioned above, meet with a provider at Genesis to begin your journey into bioidentical hormone therapy.
Genesis Medspa
Genesis is a physician-owned & led health destination, serving Mid-Missouri for 16 years, providing vein care, aesthetic services, and wellness care.Dr. Chandra Prasad and the Genesis team take a patient-centered approach to your care, targeting each individual’s unique concerns.Our goal is to help you reach your health and wellness goals. The Genesis Vein Center and Medspa were designed with you in mind. When you come to visit, we want you to leave feeling relaxed and pampered. We have created facilities with a spa atmosphere, while maintaining the highest safety and health standards. Offering: Vein Care, Cool Sculpting, Sculpt, HydraFacials, Facials, Microderms, Diamond Glows, Chemical Peels, Microneedling, Laser Rejuvenation,Botox, Filler, Hormone Replacement, Vaginal Rejuvenation, Laser HairRemoval, Tattoo Removal, IV Therapy, Wellness Injections, and more!
Stephanie Pitts, MSN, APRN, NP-CGenesis Medspa
2511 W. EdgewoodSte. A, JCMO (573) 761-2601 | genesisjcmo.com