Hormone imbalances can wreak havoc on your life. From draining your energy to causing weight gain, the slightest offset of hormones can cause major symptoms. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or have a sneaking suspicion, chances are you’re looking to balance your hormones. 

Causes of Hormone Imbalances

A hormone imbalance can be triggered by many factors. For some, the cause is genetic. However, for most, the cause is lifestyle-related – induced by poor diet, inconsistent sleep patterns, sedentary lifestyle, stress and medication use.

Types of Hormone Imbalances

The first step in treatment is to discover exactly which hormones you’re over or underproducing. There are several types of hormone imbalances – each causing specific symptoms and requiring specific treatment. Here are some of the most popular imbalances and their most common symptoms: 

Want to learn more about the types of hormone imbalances?

Read our previous blog: “Balancing Hormones: Types of Hormone Imbalances.”

How to Determine You Have a Hormone Imbalance 

Depending on which gland is involved, the signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances vary greatly. Men and women experience many of the same symptoms, as most glands are similar between the two genders. Some of the most common symptoms include fatigue, acne, weight issues (weight gain or weight loss), mood swings, loss of libido (decreased sex drive), poor sleep, frequent illness and loss of memory. 

If the imbalances are severe, then more significant issues can occur, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, anxiety, cardiac problems, osteoporosis to name a few. 

However, symptoms can be misleading. The best way to determine if you have a hormone imbalance is to be evaluated by a professional. We’ve created a Hormone Imbalance Symptom Checker to help you take the first step. 

Hormone Imbalance Testing

There are several tests your healthcare provider can run to determine which type of imbalance you’re experiencing. Unlike traditional medicine providers, functional medicine practitioners aim to address the root causes of your symptoms. After lab testing and your health goals in mind, they can develop a treatment plan unique to you. No two people are precisely the same and depending on the severity of the symptoms, specific tests may be required. 

Saliva Hormone Tests

The saliva test, which is done at home, is one of the simplest methods of measuring hormone levels. Saliva tests detect the levels of sex hormones produced by the body. The saliva samples are collected in the morning, afternoon, evening and before bedtime to accurately measure your cortisol levels, which fluctuate throughout the day. Measuring cortisol levels provides an accurate assessment of symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Serum Hormone Tests

Some hormones circulating in the bloodstream, such as the thyroid hormones and insulin, do not enter the saliva because of their large size; this means that saliva hormone tests cannot measure these hormones. This test requires a blood sample. 

These additional hormone tests will not only help your healthcare provider get a clear picture of your hormone levels but also allow your provider to tailor a personalized wellness program that addresses your individual needs.

Hormone Imbalance Treatment 

After the age of 40 (and in many cases, over 30), men and women begin to experience hormone imbalance. Lifetime exposure to environmental and dietary toxins contribute to the natural decline of hormones as we age. 

For optimal health and wellness, your hormone imbalance needs to be evaluated by an experienced healthcare provider. Commonly, this evaluation includes comprehensive lab testing and in-depth initial questionnaires – before creating a personalized treatment plan.

Treatment plans include: 

• A comprehensive review of symptoms, medical, family and personal history
• Testing – saliva, urine and/or blood laboratory analysis (additional details below) 
• Natural hormone balancing
• Ongoing evaluations
• Quality compounded pharmacy
• Highest quality supplements
• Fitness programs
• Nutrition planning
• Stress reduction plans

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement 

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is exactly what it sounds like. It is using hormones that are identical to the hormones naturally made by your body. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) provides an alternative to synthetic hormones, like some forms of injectable testosterone or Premarin. If you’re interested in a more natural approach to hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone replacement may be suitable for you.

Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy can come in oral, topical, injectable and pellet forms. BHRT has many advantages over other hormone therapies – most notably, the reduction of side effects typically seen in synthetic hormones. 

As each patient’s symptoms are unique, so is each patient’s path to hormone optimization. Most patients report some symptom resolution in as little as two to four weeks, but complete optimization may take up to six months. 

Peptide Therapy – HGH Enhancement for Anti-Aging

As we get older, the hormones produced by the anterior pituitary are depleted. It has now been shown that Peptide Therapy can restore these hormones to a youthful level. Peptide therapy may be used by both men or women to help reverse the effects of aging.

Since Peptide Therapy is stimulating the pituitary gland to naturally increase Human Growth Hormone (HGH) production and release, it is safely regulated through the pituitary gland’s negative feedback system. Peptide Therapy offers patients a safe and effective way to get all the benefits associated with HGH replacement therapy without the side effects.

Most Peptide options are a subcutaneous injection, self-administered 5-7 days per week.

Benefits to Peptide Therapy include:

• Increasing energy and vitality from fat breakdown
• Increases protein synthesis – increases lean muscle
• Increasing muscle mass through sarcomere hyperplasia (an additional division of the contractile unit of a muscle)
• Decreases body fat and increases Lipolysis (fat burning)
• Strengthens immune system – reduces risk factors for age-related diseases
• Strengthening of joints and connective tissue
• Increases bone density – Increases calcium retention
• Stimulates the growth of all internal organs and heart to more a youthful state
• Improving cognitive abilities, memory and mental clarity
• Increased lean body mass
• Increased sexual performance and desire
• Improved mood
• Improved sleep quality by promoting non-REM slow-wave sleep
• Accelerate healing and recovery from activity/exercise/injury

Ready for Answers?

Symptoms and unanswered questions are frustrating. If you’re ready to get back to feeling your best, it’s time to talk to a professional. While a self-assessment can provide some direction, a proper treatment plan for hormone imbalance needs to be delivered by an experienced health care provider. 

Ready to be diagnosed by a professional?
Book an appointment with one of our practitioners today!