Estrogen & Progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone: these hormones define a woman’s physiology. With over 400 roles for estrogen alone, both hormones serve vital functions in the body. The balance between the two hormones is critical to a woman’s health and well-being. Hormonal imbalances can accompany a woman’s monthly cycles resulting in bloating, acne, PMS or migraine headaches. Hormone imbalance often occurs as full menopause approaches, a transition time known as menopause transition or perimenopause.

What is Perimenopause?

Perimenopause refers to the years leading up to menopause, beginning as early as a woman’s mid-to-late thirties. During perimenopause a woman’s ovaries slowly begin to produce less estrogen creating imbalance with her progesterone levels.

What are the symptoms of Perimenopause?

The symptoms of hormone imbalance associated with perimenopause may include irritability, insomnia, fatigue, weight gain, headaches, disinterest in sex, and depression. Menopause brings hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Many women struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep. Weight gain around the stomach is also common. Additional symptoms include loss of volume in the breasts (which causes sagging), slack, dull skin, and vertical lines above the top lip. Women feel less mentally sharp, complaining of “brain fog” and decreased memory or concentration. Menopause is associated with the onset of diseases such as osteoporosis, dementia, heart disease and stroke. Alteration in the delicate estrogen metabolism is implicated in breast and ovarian cancer. Some women experience few symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, while other women truly suffer.

Treating the symptoms of Perimenopause

If you are uncomfortable or unhappy with the changes that accompany your monthly cycles, or with the changes brought on by age, know that you have options. Your hormone levels can be measured, correlated with your symptoms, properly balanced and returned to youthful levels.

Recently, there has been a lot of media coverage on the bad health outcomes associated with artificial hormones such as Premarin, Provera, and PremPro. Many women were taken off of their hormone medication and given no alternative treatment. However, there are safer options. You can be treated with hormones identical to those your body creates itself. These bioidentical hormones can be used to exactly restore your hormone levels and hormone balance, alleviating symptoms associated with PMS and menopause, while restoring health and vitality.

If you are experiencing any of this problems, we invite you to contact our office today. Call 415-785-7995 today.