Hormones

Changes or imbalances in levels of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone result in many bothersome and sometimes debilitating symptoms: PMS, painful cramps, acne, insomnia, heavy or irregular bleeding and hot flashes for example. Adjusting hormone levels can help resolve these symptoms.

Dr. Andrea uses multiple treatments to help manage hormone levels, including the use of bio-identical hormones.

Bio-identical hormones, which are also called natural hormones, are exact replicas of the hormones our body produces. They may come as ready-made products or be custom compounded.

First, your body’s hormone levels are tested, then the appropriate amount is supplemented until the symptoms are managed, without exceeding a level that could be produced naturally. The most important factor is to have a prescription that is based on the most up-to-date understanding of female physiology.

Many people are under the impression that all menopause and perimenopause symptoms are caused by low estrogen, which is not the case. Perimenopause is the period of time just before menopause. It is characterized by wild fluctuations in hormone levels that can be compared to what women go through at adolescence. This stage begins in the mid-thirties to early-forties, and ends one year beyond final menstrual flow. This is the period of time when symptoms arise and can become life-disrupting.

The earliest symptoms of perimenopause are: new onset and/or longer menstrual flow; short menstrual cycle lengths of less than or equal to 25 days; new sore, swollen and/or lumpy breasts; new or increased menstrual cramps; new mid-sleep wakening; onset of night sweats especially around flow; new or markedly increased migraine headaches; new or increased premenstrual mood swings; and notable weight gain without changes in exercise or food intake.

Many women are inappropriately treated for fibroids when they experience heavy bleeding in perimenopause. Heavy bleeding is rarely caused by fibroids. The heavy bleeding is caused by high estrogen and lower progesterone. Hormonal treatment should be attempted before surgery. During perimenopause, using bio-identical hormones can alleviate these symptoms.