Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy Specialist in Beckley, WV

Hormones are a form of chemical inside of the body that helps control many different processes and aspects of our bodily functions. As we get older, our natural hormone production starts to decline, which can cause an imbalance of different hormones. This can happen at any point within adulthood, in some cases happening as young as the early 20s, although it is most commonly associated with people in their 50s and beyond. When people think of hormone imbalances, the most common medical condition that comes to mind is menopause in women.
 
While this is a very common occurrence as the result of a hormonal imbalance, women aren’t the only ones affected by a decrease in hormones. Men also commonly experience hormonal declines and imbalances as a result of age. For both men and women, hormone replacement therapy can provide relief from symptoms by adding the necessary hormones back into the body and bringing the levels back to normal. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy specifically has been widely successful in treating hormonal imbalances as it is custom-made for each individual patient to replicate their body’s natural hormones and fill in the gaps missing from the production process.
 
This makes it more effective than other hormone therapy methods due to the replication of the body’s existing hormones. Hormone therapy can be delivered in a variety of ways, such as oral medications, creams, and injections. Bioidentical hormone therapy is typically found in the form of pellets that are inserted just under the surface of the skin for a continuous, steady release of the hormones into the body, avoiding the hormone spikes experienced with other methods of administration.

There are multiple hormones produced by the body that affect us in different ways. The hormones that have a part in the aging process are testosterone, progesterone, estrogen, DHEA, cortisol, and human growth hormone. As we age, the natural production of these hormones will slow down at different rates, which can create an imbalance in the body. When a hormonal imbalance happens, the physical signs of aging are exacerbated.
 
These symptoms and signs of aging that are affected by hormones include wrinkles, loss of skin volume, hair loss, and a crepe-like texture to the skin. Hormonal imbalances can affect both men and women, however, the negative side effects and signs of aging seem to affect women more quickly than they do men, even if they follow a similar lifestyle routine and have the same genetical makeup.
 
Aging is the result of many factors but particularly tied to hormones, with signs of aging due to hormonal changes often coming on suddenly. Collagen production and the skin’s elasticity are linked to the body’s production of the hormone estrogen, which is the hormone that rapidly decreases as a result of menopause, causing what can seem to be rapid signs of aging in women.

There are many different signs of a hormonal imbalance, with many common symptoms between men and women, as well as some that are unique to each gender. Common symptoms that are the same for both genders include mood swings, weight gain, low energy levels, memory loss, lack of sex drive, trouble sleeping, fatigue, muscle weakness, and changes to your skin and hair.
 
For women, a hormonal imbalance can also cause vaginal dryness, irregular periods, acne, excessive hair, night sweats, and pain during sex. In men, a hormonal imbalance can lead to loss of bone and muscle mass, erectile dysfunction, decrease in body hair and beard growth, breast tenderness, and difficulty concentrating.
 
For both men and women experiencing these symptoms, it is a good idea to get them checked out to determine the cause. A doctor, such as a team at Beckley Internal Medicine can diagnose a hormonal imbalance, or other cause of these symptoms, to get the patient on the right treatment plan and provide relief. To learn more, reach out to our clinic today by giving us a call or through our website to book an appointment with a member of our team. We serve patients from Beckley WV, Baylor WV, Bradley WV, Stanaford WV, Lester WV, and Beaver WV.