I remember thinking when I was a younger woman, why in the world would I ever consider hormone replacement therapy (HRT). I remember thinking that aging was a natural process and that I should embrace it just like my mom had. I soon reconsidered my stance on this.
As I was aging, I realized that the quality of my life was changing, and it was not changing in a good way. I began to notice that I was having hot flashes and waking up soaking wet from night sweats. I just couldn’t seem to remember things like I used to before. I would walk into a room and could not remember why I was there.
My brain felt foggy; it was hard to think. I began to gain weight and I was very emotional. I’m sure that I was not easy to be around. I had a lot that I still wanted to accomplish with my life and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to succeed.
I was entering a phase of life known as perimenopause. My menstrual cycles were irregular and my flow was very heavy. My perimenopausal symptoms were hard to endure. I was not able to sleep through the night and I became less and less interested in maintaining intimacy with my husband.
My symptoms got worse as menopause approached. I knew that I needed to do something so that I could be comfortable in my body. I talked to my friends and was able to find a doctor to help me to get my life back. I have since gone on to go to medical school and have become a naturopathic physician. Now, I am able to help others keep a good quality of life as they age.
Since learning the importance of HRT, I know I will have a better outcome in my aging than my mother had. She suffered from insomnia and depression. Her skin was loose, dry, and wrinkled. She was diagnosed with osteoporosis and congestive heart failure. Her quality of life decreased as she aged.
Menopause is defined as the lack of menstrual flow for 12 months. It does not happen overnight because the ovaries decline over a period of years. The average age that menopause occurs is 51. The life expectancy of women in the United States is 78 years, but many women live longer than that. This means that women are living a third or more of their lives past menopause.
The ovaries make both estrogen and testosterone in women. As the ovaries decline, they make less and less estrogen and testosterone. In fact, testosterone deficiencies begin in our thirties and estrogen deficiencies start in our forties. Men also slow in their production of testosterone. Testosterone is in the highest levels in the twenties, but it begins to decline in the thirties.
Testosterone is important in both men and women. Testosterone is essential for glucose metabolism. It actually helps move glucose into the muscle. Testosterone deficiency may drive insulin resistance. Men and women alike need testosterone for good muscle mass, muscle growth, tissue healing, libido, stamina and more.
Why not come in and get a hormone consultation and see if you would benefit from bioidentical hormone replacement? The price of the office visit is $100 plus $25 for a blood draw if you would like to get your hormones measured. Insurance is filed for the cost of the blood tests. Cash pricing is available for $200 for the male or female health and hormone evaluation blood work.
Let us get you onto the road to wellness at Mesa Naturopathic. Dr. Laura Markison and Dr. Cynthia Hayes are certified hormone specialists in Pellecome pellet insertion technique. Call and schedule your appointment today at (480) 306-8111. Check out our website at mesadr.com.
Symptoms of Estrogen Deficiency
- Hot Flashes
- PMS symptoms worsening
- Night Sweats
- Irritability
- Dry Skin
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Mood Swings
- Forgetfulness
- Vaginal Dryness
- Increased allergy symptoms
- Increased cardiovascular symptoms
- Increase Urinary Tract infections
- Decreased Bone Density
Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency
- Low libido
- Weight gain
- Loss of focus
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Muscle pain/weakness
- Mood swings
- Migraines
- Memory problems
- Sugar Cravings
- Fatigue
- Decreased Bone Density
Symptoms of Testosterone Deficiency
- Hypertension
- Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
- Hypercholesteremia
- Cardiovascular disease
- Osteoporosis
- Cancer
- Dementia
Resources: Low Testosterone and Your Health. WebMD Medical Reference Reviewed by Sabrina Felson, MD on Feb. 11, 2019.
webmd.com/men/what-low-testosterone-can-mean-your-health#1