What is a hormonal imbalance?
Do you suspect that you or your child may have a hormonal imbalance? The good news is that you can reach out to our practice at Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine in Grapevine, TX. Our experienced physicians can meet with you for a consultation to discuss your symptoms and order tests if needed. Hormone imbalances are very common, which is just as true for children as it is for adults. We want to assure you that hormone imbalances are not just a problem for middle-aged people. The important thing to remember is that one hormone can affect other hormones. Nutrients can also affect the level of hormone production and how well that specific hormone performs in your body. Your health history and medical circumstances can help us identify which direction to take and how to help you reach your goals. Contact our team at Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine for an appointment.
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What are the Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance?
When it comes to a hormonal imbalance, you may have one symptom or a long list of symptoms. Keep in mind that you can also be asymptomatic. Before having blood work done, some of our patients didn't know there was a hormonal issue. Some of the basic symptoms of a hormonal imbalance include:
- Allergies, including asthma, hives, rashes, and sinus congestion
- Autoimmune disorders
- Breast or uterine cancer
- Breast tenderness
- Cervical dysplasia
- Cold hands and feet (a symptom of thyroid dysfunction)
- Copper excess (from injecting too much copper or a copper intrauterine device)
- Depression and anxiety
- Dry eyes
- Early-onset menstruation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue/trouble sleeping
- Fibrocystic breasts
- Foggy thinking
- Gallbladder disease
- Hair loss (male and female)
- Headaches
- Hypoglycemia
- Increased blood clotting
- Infertility
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Loss of sex drive
- Magnesium deficiency
- Memory loss
- Mood swings/irritability
- Osteoporosis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Premature aging
- Weight gain or loss
What Causes a Hormonal imbalance?
There might be just one or multiple factors at play when it comes to the cause of your hormonal imbalance. You may have a family history of a particular hormone deficiency or surplus. Other variables that can manipulate your hormones include:
- Air pollution/poor air quality
- Drug or alcohol use
- Emotional issues
- Foods that are processed with sugar and other additives
- Heavy metal toxicity
- Hormones and chemicals found in water
- Hormones used in the production of meat, fish, and chicken
- Inborn (genetic) errors of metabolism
- Plastics and chemicals that are used in food packaging and production
- Stress
What Are the Risk Factors of Hormonal Imbalances?
Some activities can increase the risk of imbalancing your hormones. These include taking steroids, having a poor diet, and taking certain kinds of birth control. If you're concerned about hormonal imbalances, meet with a member of our staff today to learn more.
How Are Hormonal Imbalances Diagnosed?
Diagnosing hormonal imbalances involves a comprehensive approach that typically includes a detailed medical history, a thorough physical examination, and various laboratory tests. Initially, our healthcare provider will assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history to identify potential contributing factors. Blood tests are a crucial component, measuring levels of specific hormones such as thyroid hormones, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and insulin to detect any deviations from normal ranges. Additionally, urine or saliva tests might be utilized to provide further insights into hormone fluctuations. Advanced diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies like ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans, may be employed to examine the endocrine glands for structural abnormalities. This multifaceted diagnostic process ensures a precise identification of hormonal imbalances, facilitating targeted and effective treatment plans.
HOw do you Treat a Hormonal Imbalance?
At your appointment, we will perform a comprehensive medical exam and other diagnostic tests, which will help determine if hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the right course of action. Also, we'll need to measure your exact hormone levels so that you get the appropriate dose of HRT. This is not a one-size-fits-all type of treatment.
You can achieve hormonal balance through hormonal supplementation from oral medications, topical creams, hormone injections, pellet therapies, and more. We'll work with you to determine the best course of treatment. We can also recommend how to eat better, get more exercise, have better sleeping habits, and more in order to give you more options to change the way your body functions. We will also have you come back in for follow-up appointments to make sure your hormone therapy is improving your health.
Hormone Imbalances FAQ
What is hormone optimization?
When our hormone levels are below or above normal levels, it can affect almost every aspect of our health. Hormone optimization through various treatments like hormone replacement therapy (HRT) works to balance hormone levels to restore healthy, normal body function and improve overall quality of life.
What are the benefits of hormone replacement therapy?
Hormone replacement therapy brings your hormonal levels back into balance. When your hormones are balanced, they can have positive effects on your entire body and improve overall quality of life. HRT can improve sexual function, energy levels, mental performance, mood, skin health, sleep, weight loss, and more.
How quickly can I see results with hormone replacement therapy?
Results are unique for each patient, but on average, most people will start seeing results from HRT within 3 – 4 weeks, with improvements continuing for about three months until optimal outcomes are usually achieved.
Is hormone optimization safe?
Hormone optimization, when done under the supervision of a qualified and experienced healthcare professional, is generally considered safe. Our team at the Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine closely monitors your hormone levels and makes adjustments as needed to ensure safety and effectiveness. We always prioritize your health and well-being in our treatment plans.
How do you prepare for hormone therapy?
You can take steps to prepare for hormone therapy, such as getting a comprehensive health check and discussing your medical history with our team. It's also important to follow any dietary or lifestyle recommendations given by our providers. We will guide you through the preparation process to ensure successful outcomes.
What are the side effects of hormone replacement therapy?
Side effects of hormone replacement therapy vary depending on the individual and type of treatment involved. These include headaches, nausea, mood changes, or changes in weight. Rest assured that our experienced team will closely monitor your progress and make changes as needed to minimize potential side effects.
Finding Your Balance
When it comes to balancing your hormones, we can make recommendations that are specific to your unique health results. Often, we can find a nutritional or exercise solution. Schedule an appointment in Grapevine, TX to learn more about your symptoms and to have your hormone levels tested. We look forward to meeting you and helping you live a healthier life with balanced hormones that work for you in harmony. Make the call today to Kotsanis Institute of Functional Medicine.
