01 Mar Hormonal Optimization

Both men and women will seek hormone replacement therapies when they are contending with hormone deficiency symptoms and recognize that these issues result from hormone deficiency or imbalance. That can be tricky since many signs are subtle or not easily recognized due to hormone deficiency.

Women

Most women easily recognize hot flashes and night sweats as related to estrogen deficiency. However, they may not realize that dry eyes, skin and hair or itchy skin can also be. New or worsening depression and anxiety will most often be addressed with antidepressant medication but may also be eliminated with proper hormone balance if the problem originated from hormone deficiency. It is essential to consider one’s hormones when addressing anxiety or depression, particularly between 40-60. Heart palpitations and joint pain can also arise from hormone deficiency and may markedly improve or resolve entirely with hormone replenishment.

Brain fog is a frequent complaint around menopause and can be pretty distressing. It will typically clear quite quickly with proper hormone management. Women may develop many other issues during their forties and fifties primarily. However, some women may develop sooner: weight gain, carbohydrate cravings, worsening urinary incontinence, loss of bone density, hair loss, difficulty falling asleep, and waking in the middle of the night, to name a few. Most people do not develop all of these symptoms, and hormone deficiency symptoms vary widely from person to person.

One of the most distressing issues that may be dismissed or overlooked by other healthcare providers is the loss of interest in partner intimacy. This is a prevalent problem in women beginning in their mid-forties. It can be a source of marital stress. Many people don’t know how to address this and can retreat from intimacy and ultimately give up. A proper hormone therapy regimen can restore intimate life and boost partner bonding and an overall sense of well-being.

Men

Self-recognition of hormone deficiency symptoms can be a significant challenge in men. Awareness has improved in the past 30 years, but it can still be challenging. Most men know that a drop in libido and performance can indicate low testosterone levels. They may not know that these are frequently the last symptoms to show up when hormone levels are declining and often don’t appear until they are very low.

Issues that may arise with a moderately low testosterone level include difficulty concentrating, moodiness, sadness, depression and anxiety, easily agitated, quick to anger, weight gain, particularly belly fat. Sluggishness, daytime sleepiness, loss of motivation and insomnia may also occur. Fortunately, optimizing testosterone levels can be achieved quickly in men and improve or eliminate these symptoms.

Hormone balance can be a pathway for many to restore youthful vigor and well-being. 

If you think you may have a hormone-related issue, seek out a hormone specialist for assistance. Charleston Healthspan Institute is on Daniel Island and Pawley’s Island, SC. Dr. Wilson has been assisting patients in achieving hormone balance for the past 30+ years.