You’ve reached the milestone of what many would consider middle age. You are 45. You are noticing changes affecting your health that are bothersome. You tried taking some extra vitamin C and other supplements. You started going to bed earlier. Nothing helped. You went to see your doctor for a quick checkup. You were told you’re fine. You know something is going on. You don’t feel like yourself and you aren’t imagining things. You think that you may need hormone replacement therapy in Chicago. You want to know about the best type of hormone replacement for you before you get started.
What are Symptoms that Suggest You Have a Hormonal Imbalance?
Before you consider treatments, you need to figure out if you actually do have a hormonal imbalance. The time frame is right. Both men and women to experience a drop in reproductive hormone levels when they are in their 40s or 50s. Some people are fortunate enough to get through this period in their lives with flying colors. The shift is so gradual that it doesn’t affect them in a negative way. Most, however, are going to notice symptoms. For some, it will be so severe that there is obviously a problem. In rare cases, this shift in hormones can happen at a young age. Common signs of a hormonal imbalance are:
- Low energy levels
- Fatigue
- Low endurance
- Weakness and loss of muscle mass
- Loss of sex drive
- Sudden mood changes
- Weight gain for no explanation
- Lack of focus
- Trouble remembering things
This hormonal change is natural for men and women as their reproductive systems shift into slow gear. For women, the onset is usually sudden. When their menstrual cycle stops during menopause, it can be most extreme. For men, this phase referred to as andropause is a slow process in which hormones gradually drop about a percent a year when they hit 30. It catches up with most men by the time they are 50.
What Can You Do About a Hormonal Imbalance?
Just because it’s a natural phase in life doesn’t mean you have to let the symptoms of a hormonal imbalance take charge. You need to be proactive about your health and seek help from a doctor. Sit down with your physician to explain the severity of your symptoms, the full range of your symptoms, and how long you have been feeling this way. Our professional is going to do a physical assessment to compare observations with previous visits. You’ll need to have a blood test. This is the best way to indicate if you actually have a hormonal imbalance. Your reproductive hormones and other hormones will be measured. In some cases, the professional may pinpoint a thyroid disorder or high levels of blood sugar. If the professional does not find a problem with your hormones, the next step will be to do additional testing. In some cases, heart problems could cause some of the symptoms that you have been experiencing. If you are looking at a drop in hormones, we can tell you about your options for hormone replacement therapy.
What is the Best Hormone Replacement Therapy Treatment?
There isn’t one treatment option that is best when you look at all of your alternatives. However, you can choose what is best for you personally. Each option has its advantages.
Hormone Pellets are the Way to Go
Hormone pellets are gaining in popularity because they are convenient and deliver a controlled dosage of necessary hormones. A professional inserts them beneath your skin, at which point they will do their job while you forget they are even there. You don’t have to worry about daily dosages or shots. You’ll come back in three months if you are a woman. It could be four or five months if you are a man.
What Will Hormone Replacement Therapy Do for You?
Hormone replacement therapy will help your body to achieve balance again. When something is missing from your system, your body is going to tell you. That’s why you have felt your symptoms. Give yourself the hormones you need to find relief. You’ll improve your mental clarity. You’ll stop feeling like you are riding a roller coaster of emotions. You can enjoy the bedroom again with your partner. Your weight won’t be out of control. You’ll have the strength and energy to do daily activities or a demanding workout. Most importantly, you won’t feel exhausted all the time. You can’t go back in time. You can help your body to feel more youthful again with a treatment option that works for you.
When Will You Notice Your Symptoms Improving?
Hormone replacement therapy isn’t fast. Results will be noticeable over time. You may start to see an improvement within three or four weeks. Most people see a difference within the first three months. You need to stick with your chosen therapy. You can’t forget dosages if you want optimal results.
We Will Monitor the Effectiveness of Your Therapy
You won’t be alone on this journey. Our professional will want to see you on a regular basis to find out if your hormone replacement therapy is working for you. You may have your blood drawn again at intervals to check your levels and change your dosages. If you are not happy with the results of one plan, we will try another.
Can Lifestyle Changes Help You?
While changes in your lifestyle are not going to change the levels of your hormones, they will help you to feel better. You can try establishing a better sleep schedule. Getting six to eight hours of sleep is recommended. If you have sleep apnea, find out what you can do about it. Try changing your diet to more whole foods and less foods that are filled with additives. Drink plenty of water and cut back on your alcohol intake. Make sure you exercise. Even if you are tired, it helps to stay active. If you are too weak to do a hard workout, try something low impact. If you smoke, now is a good time to do yourself a favor. Quit. Making healthy choices can work in combination with your treatments to give you the best results.
Why Have Hormone Replacement Therapy?
You should not ignore how you are feeling if you have a hormonal imbalance. Your symptoms aren’t going to resolve themselves. You deserve to feel better and live a full life. Seeking hormone replacement therapy can help you to experience the benefits. You won’t feel like you are being held back. Friends and family will be happy to see the change for the better in you as well.
What if You Don’t Like Your Hormone Replacement Therapy or it Doesn’t Work?
If you aren’t happy with the hormone replacement method you choose, you can ask our doctor about trying something else. If you don’t think it’s working, you need to tell the professional. You can explore other options. The most important thing you need to remember is you have to be patient. You aren’t going to feel like new in a day. Give your treatment option time to bring your hormone levels back to an optimal level.
Ask Us About Hormone Replacement Therapy Treatment in Chicago
If you are struggling with symptoms of low hormones, our team can help you. You need to take the first step. To learn more about what hormone replacement therapy can offer you, we strongly encourage you to reach out and make an appointment with Quench Wellness. At our convenient location in Chicago, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option to you in full and answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
