Maybe you were at work one day and frustrated. The printer wasn’t printing, the coffee tasted burnt, co-workers kept pestering you with demands to get this and that done. It felt so aggravating you wanted to explode. But what’s odd is that you never felt this way before. You used to love coming into work. Sure, the printer doesn’t work sometimes, but it’s an easy fix. The coffee isn’t really that bad and your co-workers are just doing their job. What caused the change? When did minor nuisances you used to be able to ignore turn you into a ticking time bomb?

Or perhaps you’re noticing other shifts — like a lack of motivation and focus, less energy, unexplained weight gain or a decreased libido. You’ve been riding a rollercoaster of emotions lately, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight, so maybe it’s time to consider what’s really going on. These changes may not be coming from what’s around you, but instead from what’s inside you: hormones.

Hormones are chemicals naturally produced by glands in the body that control most bodily functions. A drop or imbalance in the hormone levels in your body can cause a wide range of problems, ranging from mood swings to acne to a loss of sexual appetite. It’s essential to know the signs that hormones may be behind the reasons you’re feeling so frustrated lately. At Body Symmetry MD, we are experts in the field of hormone therapy and can help you determine if your hormone levels require supplementation.

Hormonal Changes for Women

It’s common for women to experience hormone changes throughout their lifetime. These fluctuations can occur every month before and after a period, or may arise during life-changing events like pregnancy or menopause. We often see patients who believe the unpleasant emotional and physical symptoms they experience as a result of hormonal shifts are an inevitable consequence of being a woman — but the truth is, these changes can be extremely detrimental, and hormone therapy can help ease the associated symptoms and restore quality of life. Women’s hormone therapy may involve one or more of the following hormones:

Progesterone:

This is a chemical produced in the adrenal gland and ovaries. The body produces this hormone during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy, but sometimes the body can produce too much. If there is too much progesterone in your body, you can experience fatigue, a decreased sex drive, trouble losing weight and difficulty sleeping.

Cortisol:

This hormone is also produced in the adrenal glands and the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. It’s typically associated with the “fight or flight” response. Cortisol is used to regulate blood pressure, encourage the body’s use of fat and prevent inflammation. But when cortisol levels are too high, issues can arise. Symptoms associated with elevated cortisol levels include excessive weight gain, high blood pressure, fatigue and digestive problems.

Estrogen:

Although both men and women have this hormone, women naturally produce higher amounts of estrogen. This hormone is commonly associated with prompting the sexual development of women during puberty, but it is produced throughout a woman’s life, even after menopause. An overabundance of estrogen can cause women to experience swelling near their breasts, anxiety, panic attacks and hair loss, among other issues.

Androgens:

Like estrogen, androgens are found in both men and women. Androgens are produced from the ovaries, adrenal glands and fat cells. An excess or deficiency of androgens is among the most common hormonal imbalances for women. If your body produces much androgen, you may begin growing hair in unwanted areas, such as on the upper lip or below the chin, or develop acne outbreaks. Common symptoms of low androgen production include fatigue and little sexual desire.

If you’re struggling with an increased production of acne, a disrupted sleep pattern, low libido or difficulty losing weight, an imbalance of hormones may be the underlying cause. Schedule your complimentary in-person consultation at Body Symmetry MD. Our experts can conduct a thorough analysis to pinpoint which hormone requires supplementation and design a custom replacement plan based on your unique physiology.

Hormonal Changes for Men

Though it is less often talked about, men also experience hormonal changes throughout their lifetime. As men age, these changes can have emotional, sexual and physical effects that diminish a man’s sense of masculinity and quality of life. Men’s hormone therapy typically involves one or more of the following hormones:

Testosterone:

Testosterone is the most well-known hormone and for good reason, because it plays a vital function in the development of a man. Testosterone is produced by the testes from puberty throughout adulthood, but the amount produced gradually decreases over time. Declining testosterone levels can trigger aging-related hormone changes in men that are sometimes known as “male menopause.” A telling sign that your body is producing too little testosterone is a low libido. Other symptoms linked to low testosterone include a change in sleeping patterns, fatigue, erectile dysfunction (ED), decreased bone mass, hair loss or thinning and increased body fat.

Prolactin:

This hormone is found in men and women and is best known for allowing women to produce breast milk after giving birth. However, it also plays a vital function in a man’s production of testosterone. The two hormones go hand-in-hand, and when one is too high or too low, it can cause an imbalance and side-effects. Excess prolactin in men can lead to low libido, ED, weight gain, muscle mass and strength, and a decrease in body hair. It can also cause breast tenderness or enlargement and, in rare cases, breast milk production.

Estrogen:

Men make estrogen throughout their lives. Although the role of estrogen in men is not as well understood as it is in women, this hormone appears to be vital for maintaining bone health, cardiovascular health and brain function. Too much estrogen in your body can cause undesirable symptoms like weight gain, decreased sexual energy, fatigue, moodiness, gynecomastia (enlargement of male breast tissue) and prostate problems.

Men may be reluctant or embarrassed to admit that they are struggling with changes like diminished sexual function or mood swings. However, recognizing the importance of maintaining hormonal balance is the first step in finding relief from your symptoms and achieving a better quality of life. The experts of Body Symmetry MD approach hormone therapy both scientifically and sensitively, so you can feel like your healthy self again.

Body Symmetry Can Help Improve Your Hormonal Imbalance

Men and women can both experience problems caused by low or imbalanced hormone levels. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight gain, acne breakouts, a decreased libido or any of the other symptoms discussed above, it may be time to see a doctor and have your hormones checked. Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) at Body Symmetry MD can help restore balance to your body and improve your overall sense of well-being. To learn more, contact Body Symmetry MD online today or call us at 833-789-2639 to schedule your free consultation.