Venus(women) and Mars(men) Can Benefit From Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy

Women Are you experiencing weight gain, chronic fatigue, depression, chills, mental fog, hot flashes, mood swings, headaches, breast tenderness, decreased libido, or vaginal dryness?

Men Are you troubled by muscle weakness, depression, unexplained aches and pains, or decreased sex drive?

All of these problems can be caused by hormone imbalances.

Most people are familiar with estrogen and progesterone because they are frequently discussed in the media. Although hormones such as: cortisol, DHEA, insulin, thyroid, melatonin, luteinizing hormone, and various intestinal hormones are less well known, they play a key role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Imbalances in one or more of these can disrupt equilibrium and lead to a variety of unpleasant symptoms.

Stress, fatigue, and weight gain, for example, can indicate overworked adrenal glands. Low levels of cortisol may also lead to fatigue and sluggishness. High levels of cortisol can lead to anxiety and insomnia. A poorly functioning thyroid gland can cause cold hands and feet. A melatonin imbalance can impair healthy sleep patterns. Low levels of human growth hormone can cause premature aging. These are merely a few examples of the health issues that can result from hormonal imbalance.

I use a Natural Hormone Replacement Therapy (NHRT) protocol. Natural hormones better mimic the hormones made by the body. Synthetic hormones, on the other hand, consist of different chemical structures than the body’s own hormones and can therefore cause unwanted side effects. NHRT follows a natural rhythm which occurs over a 28-day cycle for women and a 31-day cycle for men. Venus and Mars are not so different after all!

Some physicians prescribe hormones based on symptoms without monitoring lab values. I prefer to take a holistic approach by analyzing the appropriate labs and monitoring symptoms. Balancing hormones is a journey, it may require tweaking and working to optimize other body functions before you feel your best. It requires patient education.

To learn more please call Preventive Medicine to schedule an appointment at 314-997-5403.

Additional Resource on this subject is: T.S. Wiliey

Dr. Varsha Rathod is a Board Certified Rheumatologist and Internist at Preventive Medicine in the Westport Plaza area of St. louis, MO. The Practice has focused on a combination of traditional and holistic medicine since 1967.

For more articles and information about alternative solutions, please visit www.preventivemedicinestl.com