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Hormones are chemicals your body makes that control nearly every function of your body, from your heart rate to your menstrual cycle. Humans have more than 50 different hormones, and each one is in constant flux.
It’s normal for hormone levels to vary from day to day and throughout your life. But sometimes, your body makes too much or too little of a certain hormone, and unpleasant symptoms are the result.
If you’re feeling tired or irritable, you’re having trouble maintaining your weight, or your sex life is suffering, it could be hormonal imbalance — and our team at SWFL Integrative Medicine in Fort Myers, Florida, can help.
Heather Auld, MD, specializes in hormone replacement therapy, a treatment that involves taking supplementary hormones to help you feel like yourself again. If you’re considering hormone therapy, here are our best tips to prepare.
Since hormones control so many bodily processes, an imbalance can have widespread effects on your well-being. Unfortunately, hormonal imbalances often develop gradually, so it’s easy to overlook symptoms until they get worse.
Pay attention to the way you feel day-to-day. A few of the most common signs of hormonal imbalance are:
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, keep track of how you’re feeling and bring your notes in to talk with Dr. Auld and our team about how hormone replacement therapy could help.
At SWFL Integrative Medicine, we provide comprehensive hormone replacement therapy for adults of all ages. We start with a full workup that includes a physical exam and bloodwork to identify your symptoms and any hormonal imbalances.
Then, we develop a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and your lifestyle. If you’re a good candidate for hormone replacement therapy, we discuss your options with you.
Dr. Auld recommends bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) because bioidentical hormones match the hormones your body makes on its own, making it easier for your body to absorb and use them.
We create a custom dose that’s compounded just for you. BHRT is available in several delivery methods, including dissolvable tablets, troches, skin patches, creams, vaginal inserts , oral pills and injections.
When preparing for your treatment, it’s good to make some lifestyle changes in advance. Most of the time, lifestyle habits aren’t the main cause of hormonal imbalance. But making healthy changes can help reduce bothersome symptoms, especially for women in perimenopause and menopause.
Eat a balanced diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Get regular physical activity, and strive to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure you get enough restful sleep each night and find ways to manage stress.
Dr. Auld and our team also have experience with non-hormonal herbal remedies for common hormonal problems. These treatments can help you find balance and relieve bothersome symptoms, too.
Once we find a BHRT dose that’s right for you, your symptoms begin to go away. It’s tempting to skip your follow-up appointments when you’re feeling good, but it’s important to keep working with us throughout your treatment.
We monitor your health while you’re on BHRT, and we fine-tune your dosage to ensure you’re getting the best results at the lowest possible dose. Depending on your health and symptoms, we can also recommend herbs and other remedies to support optimal hormone levels.
Are you ready to learn more about the benefits of BHRT? Schedule a consultation at SWFL Integrative Medicine to get your customized treatment plan. Call our Fort Myers, Florida, office at 239-208-6676 or request an appointment online now.
