One of the things I regularly check and treat in my office is hormone imbalance. I check blood levels of hormones and treat with herbs and/or bio-identical hormones. Many people have hormonal symptoms that are confused with depression, insomnia, or thought to be normal, and therefore go untreated. Women and men, both come to me thinking they are depressed or going crazy only to be found that their hormones are not in balance.

For women, symptoms often begin before menopause. The progesterone level usually declines first causing excess estrogen symptoms. These symptoms include: mood swings, trouble sleeping, PMS, weight gain, water retention, irritability, breast tenderness, and foggy thinking. I treat low progesterone with a combination of herbs and/or bioidentical (mimic the actual hormones produced human bodies) prescription progesterone cream or capsules.

The next hormone I see declining in women, often before menopause, is testosterone. Yes, women need testosterone, too! Symptoms of low testosterone in women include: depression, low energy/ambition, decreased sex drive, and decreased sexual enjoyment. I generally treat low testosterone in women with bioidentical testosterone cream.

Estrogen is the last hormone I usually see declining. Interesting, since estrogen is often prescribed to women in the beginning stages of hormonal symptoms without blood levels ever being checked. Symptoms of estrogen decline are: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, and urinary incontinence. For low estrogen, I usually use a combination of herbs and bioidentical hormones.

Don’t worry guys, I haven’t forgotten you. Obviously, the most common hormone I see declining in men is testosterone. I have seen low testosterone in men from age 19-80. Symptoms of low testosterone include: erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, hair loss, mood changes, fatigue/lack of energy, decreased muscle mass, and increased body fat. Low testosterone is usually easily regulated with hormone replacement.

Does any of this sound like you? If so, be sure to ask your healthcare provider to check your hormone levels. You will need someone experienced with bioidentical hormones if you choose to use the hormones closest to what your body would normally make or a qualified Herbalist if you prefer to use Herbal Medicine. I would be happy to work with you if you are in my area. Please share with your friends and family who may be experiencing hormone imbalance now.