If you are feeling a little off lately, it may be a hormone imbalance associated with aging.
Hormone imbalances in women are often associated with perimenopause, menopause, thyroid disorders, menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance/blood sugar imbalances, weight gain, adrenal insufficiency and fatigue. In aging men, hormone imbalances result in a decrease in muscle tone, fatigue, depression, trouble sleeping, increase in body fat/ weight gain in the middle, and change in body composition. Andropause is the male equivalent of menopause in women. Over time, the normal aging process of lowered hormone levels can make men and women more prone to age-related diseases by increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.
If you are feeling a little off lately, it may be a hormone imbalance associated with aging.
Symptoms of hormone imbalance:
- Insomnia, trouble sleeping or staying asleep.
- Perimenopause/menopause – hot flashes, palpitations, menstrual irregularities, vaginal dryness, hair thinning, night sweats.
- Inability to lose weight.
- Fatigue during the day, lack of energy and drive.
- Mind fog, depression, irritability, decreased libido.
- Andropause – trouble with weight gain in the middle, decreased muscle tone, low libido and function, fatigue and mind fog.
Normal is not optimal! There is a solution.
You don’t have to do anything – this is a normal part of the aging process.
Herbal, nutritional support can help balance hormones naturally but can take some time to do so.
Bioidentical HRT (hormone replacement therapy) is available for hormone optimization. We simply start with baseline labs, evaluate your symptoms and develop a plan to help you feel like your old younger self and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. Not all forms of BHRT are efficient. It is best to seek out a hormone specialist to help you navigate the safest route, proper follow-up testing, and getting regular yearly exams- paps, mammograms and prostate checks when on BHRT.
Hormones are usually just one piece of the puzzle into feeling more like your old self. Once they are optimized or more balanced, you can live a long, healthy, active life full of energy, a clearer mind and happier outlook. FBN
By Christina Kovalik
Dr. Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc, The Vitality Doctor, is a naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in hormone optimization, optimal health and vitality. She is a new Flagstaff resident, practicing since 2004, and opened her second location in Doney Park in 2020. For more information, visit thevitalitydoctor.com or call 928-863-6086.