Sexual Wellness Columbus, Ohio

We’ve been conditioned to accept mood swings, headaches, bloating, gastrointestinal symptoms, and breast tenderness as inevitable parts of our menstrual cycle, with no recourse but to endure them or rely on birth control. However, these symptoms stem from imbalances in progesterone and estrogen levels throughout the cycle. Each hormone fluctuates differently, and an imbalance or misalignment between them can lead to these symptoms. Fortunately, lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, nutritional supplements, and occasionally medications can help alleviate these issues.

Perimenopause is the transitional phase leading up to menopause. It typically begins in a woman’s 40s, although it can start earlier or later.

Perimenopause can be a rollercoaster of events.  Some hormones decrease with time, while others go up and down, fluctuating with the month and creating a crazy cycle of symptoms. Some months, you may experience a heavy cycle with all the typical symptoms like breast tenderness, irritability or other mood changes, heavy bleeding, or perhaps trouble sleeping. Perimenopause can last years, but it doesn’t have to be a miserable experience. With the right support, we can help you navigate this transition with grace.

After menopause, our hormone levels generally decline, impacting various aspects of health including brain function, cardiovascular health, bone density, energy levels, and weight management. This decrease can involve hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone. Symptoms of low hormone levels may include diminished libido, weight gain, cognitive fog, muscle stiffness, discomfort during intercourse, mood fluctuations, hot flashes, and night sweats.

There’s a period following menopause where bioidentical hormone replacement therapy might offer relief, and we’re here to guide you through understanding the potential risks and benefits associated with it.

Our monthly menstrual cycle is orchestrated by a symphony of hormones all working together. For it to function smoothly, our brain must precisely signal our ovaries with pulsatile hormones, which in turn must accurately interpret these signals. Throughout each phase of our cycle, a delicate balance of these hormones must be maintained. It’s truly remarkable that this intricate process occurs reliably every 28 days.

However, there are numerous points in this complex system where things can go awry. Identifying and addressing hormonal issues at the right time and place is crucial. Absence of cycles could indicate issues with the hypothalamus, thyroid, insulin levels, or an imbalance between progesterone and estrogen. Yet, there’s often an underlying reason for these disruptions, and resorting solely to oral contraceptives as a solution may overlook the root cause.

Heavy menstrual cycles, whether they occur regularly or irregularly, can be not only bothersome but also lead to complications such as anemia, pain, and fatigue. Conventional medical approaches often suggest birth control methods, ablation procedures, or even hysterectomy. However, these treatments fail to address the root cause of hormonal imbalance. Living with hormone imbalances, such as estrogen dominance, can elevate the risk of certain cancers, exacerbate endometriosis, and worsen other cycle-related symptoms.

Fortunately, it’s possible to rebalance hormones through lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, supplementation, and sometimes medications. By addressing the underlying hormonal imbalance, it’s possible to reduce bleeding and alleviate its symptoms.

We use various methods to accurately assess the hormonal levels in your body, and to obtain a comprehensive picture of your bound and free hormones, as well as metabolites.

Blood Tests:

Blood tests are a common method for checking hormone levels. A blood sample is usually drawn from a vein, typically in the arm, and sent to the lab for analysis. This method measures the concentration of hormones circulating in the bloodstream at a specific moment in time. It provides valuable information about hormone levels and can help us diagnose hormonal imbalances or disorders.

Urine Tests:

Urine tests are another way to assess your hormone levels. In this method, a urine sample collected over a period of 24 hours, is analyzed to measure hormone metabolites. Urine testing can provide information about hormone levels and how hormones are being metabolized and eliminated from the body. It’s particularly useful for assessing certain hormones like cortisol and estrogen.

Saliva Tests:

Saliva testing is gaining popularity as a non-invasive method for checking hormone levels. Saliva samples are collected using swabs or tubes and analyzed for hormone concentrations. This method measures the bioavailable (free) fraction of hormones, which can better reflect hormone activity at the tissue level compared to blood tests. Saliva testing is often used to assess hormones like cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Treating hormone imbalances involves a multifaceted approach. By combining these approaches, we can tailor treatment plans to address your individual hormone imbalances effectively.

Lifestyle Modifications:

Making lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on hormone balance. This may include stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga to reduce cortisol levels and promote relaxation. Adequate sleep is crucial for hormone regulation, so improving sleep habits and addressing sleep disturbances is essential. Regular physical activity, such as aerobic exercise or strength training, can also help regulate hormones like insulin and cortisol.

Dietary Adjustments:

Nutrition plays a vital role in hormone production and metabolism. A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support hormonal health. Specific dietary interventions, such as reducing sugar and refined carbohydrate intake to stabilize blood sugar levels, or increasing fiber intake to support estrogen metabolism, may be recommended. Additionally, certain nutrients and supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and magnesium, can support hormone balance.

Exercise:

Regular physical activity is crucial for hormone regulation. Exercise can help maintain a healthy weight, reduce insulin resistance, and improve mood. Both aerobic exercise and strength training have been shown to positively influence hormone levels, including insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Supplements:

In some cases, supplementation with vitamins, minerals, or botanical extracts may be recommended to support hormone balance. For example, herbal supplements like chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) may help regulate menstrual cycles and alleviate symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women. Omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha or rhodiola may also support hormonal health.

Pharmaceuticals:

In certain situations, pharmaceutical interventions may be necessary to address hormone imbalances. This may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms or conditions such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Hormonal contraceptives may also be prescribed to regulate menstrual cycles and manage symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances.

Yes, bioidentical hormones are safe. The safety of bioidentical hormones is a common concern, especially due to the negative perceptions following the 2002 Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) study. However, it’s important to note that the hormones used in that study are far different from the bioidentical hormones we use today, and the demographic involved in the study would not be recommended today.

Our first-line approach is to use bioidentical hormones that have been approved by the FDA. These hormones are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body, which may reduce the risk of adverse effects compared to synthetic hormones. In cases where compounded hormones are necessary, we carefully assess the risks and benefits of each hormone and tailor the treatment plan to meet the individual needs of the patient.