Hormones are central to our well being and play an active role in all aspects of our health. They are chemical messengers released from one part of the body to relay information to tissues or organs elsewhere, and if they are out of balance the message may become unclear, or may not reach the target tissue at all!
A picture of balanced hormones:
– adequate and appropriate energy throughout the day,
– healthy weight with good muscle tone,
– restorative sleep,
– effective stress response
– steady mood with no anxiety or depression,
– regular menstrual cycles with no pain or PMS (women),
– healthy libido,
– good immune function,
– controlled appetite without cravings, and
– regulated inflammation.
The path to balancing hormones is often different for each individual depending on where the imbalance began in the first place, and the current expression of this imbalance in the body. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, nutrients, herbs, homeopathics, acupuncture, and/or bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).
For some individuals a thorough history and elements of a physical exam may be all that is required to initiate treatment and begin the journey back to balance. Both mind and body respond well to herbs, nutrition, lifestyle changes and acupuncture, all of which assist in restoring balance at the source for lasting results.
Bioidentical hormones are a good option for those with more significant indications of imbalance, particularly hypothyroidism, difficulty conceiving, or menopause with strong symptoms that interfere with quality of life. BHRT supplies the missing hormones for more rapid symptom relief but it does not re-educate the body on how to maintain that balance without supplemental hormones, so it is best used in combination with holistic health support including lifestyle changes, herbs, nutrients, etc. For those seeking seeking BHRT lab work is essential both before and during treatment.