If you are suffering from symptoms of hormone imbalance, there are many ways to naturally optimize hormones to improve your quality of life and decrease the risk of developing age-related diseases.
The average age for a woman to transition into menopause is 51. But it can happen as early as 30 or as late as 60. Once you have transitioned into one full year without a period, you are in menopause. Approximately 30-50% of postmenopausal women will continue to experience symptoms throughout their lives. Symptoms typically begin at least one year prior to menstrual period cessation and persist for several years postmenopause. Approximately 50% of women continue to experience hot flashes four years after their final menstrual period, with reported average duration of hot flashes ranging from almost four to more than seven years. The truth is that symptoms can arise at any time during a woman’s life.
Hormone Imbalance in Women
Symptoms of imbalance from menarche through early adulthood include: acne irregular cycles, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) and PMS (Premenstrual syndrome).
Symptoms of imbalance from the fertile years through perimenopause include: acne, anxiety, breast health concerns, depression, fatigue, fertility, hair loss, hot flashes/night sweats, irregular cycles, low libido, PMS, pregnancy/postpartum issues, sleep issues, stress and weight gain.
Symptoms of imbalance during menopause include: aging skin/laxity, anxiety, breast health concerns, depression, dysfunctional uterine, bleeding, fatigue, hair thinning, hot flashes, low libido, sleep issues, weight challenges and vaginal dryness/laxity/urinary health issues.
Hormone Imbalance in Men
As men age, it is normal for hormone production to decline. It is that reduction that causes decrease in muscle tone and bone density, increase in body fat, and change in body composition. Over time, these changes make men more prone to age-related diseases, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.
Men’s hormones can start to decline as early as their late 20s, but this usually occurs before they enter andropause, between the ages of 30-45. A normal part of the aging process, andropause affects men ages 45 and older. Common andropause symptoms result in a decline in testosterone and male hormones.
Symptoms of hormone imbalance in younger men include: acne, anxiety, depression, fatigue, low libido/sex drive, sleep issues, stress.
Symptoms of hormone imbalance in older men include: anxiety, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), depression, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, low libido/sex drive, loss of muscle tone, sleep issues, stress and weight gain.
If you are suffering from symptoms of hormone imbalance, there are many ways to naturally optimize hormones to improve your quality of life and decrease the risk of developing age-related diseases. It often starts with a simple blood test and evaluation to see where you are currently and develop an action plan to bring the hormones back into balance. FBN
By Christina Kovalik NMD, LAc
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.