Hormone Replacement

The Specifics of Menopause in Women

The right balance of hormones is vital to a woman's health, but in menopause when levels are dropping, a deficiency of one hormone can actually appear as a relative excess of another, resulting in symptoms of hormone imbalances.

The official start of menopause typically occurs around the age of fifty.  But it is not uncommon to see symptoms much sooner, even as early as mid to late 30s.  Menopause can also be surgically induced through removal of the ovaries, and can be precipitated by hysterectomy, radiation, or chemotherapy.

When taking a test it is important to remember that the results are merely an indication that you might be entering into a stage of menopause, but cannot determine if you are actually in menopause, as abnormal hormone levels may be a sign of other problems.

Understanding the impact of menopause by testing and monitoring hormone levels - can help women work with their health care providers to find appropriate solutions that will lead to hormonal wellness.



The Specifics of Andropause in Men

Men also experience issues related to hormone imbalance. The natural decline of testosterone contributes to problems with sexual dysfunction as well as muschle weakness, depression, bone less and other symptons associated with andropause (also called "male menopause").

This condition signifies the midlife retreat of the hormones known as androgens: DHEA and testosterone. In contrast to the "roller coaster" effect so common to women in menopause, the symptoms of andropause appear gradually and can be much less obvious.

Some of the first signs that a man may be experiencing this change:
-A subtle downward shift in strength and energy
-Loss of enthusiasm for the challenge of work, competition, and sexual activity.

Along with the aging process, excessive stress, weight gain, and lack of exercise can further lower testosterone, which will impact stamina, drive and virility.

Through hormone testing and working with a professional qualified to treat imbalance, a man can help address the effect of andropause as well as hidden and/or related deficiencies.


The importance of Testing

In combination with identifying your symptoms, the results of testing will develop a picture of how hormone imbalance is specifically affecting your life. Testing will reveal your personal level of hormone production, in addition to showing where you stand in comparison to averages for your age group and other gender-specific factors.

Based on these lab results, we will be able to create a comprehensive program to individualize your treatment. This testing will take the guesswork out of therapy, saving you time, money, and problems associated with experimental approaches and dosages.
Knowing your hormone levels through testing is the important initial step in determining if you are out of balance.