Hormones play a critical role in regulating many of the body's systems and functions. When hormone levels become imbalanced, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms and health issues. Re-balancing hormones through medical means like hormone therapy provides significant benefits for both men and women. This article will explore common causes of hormone imbalance, signs and symptoms, and detail the various hormone therapy options offered at Hampstead's own Second Spring Hormone Clinic.
Hormone levels can become imbalanced for a variety of reasons. As we age, hormone production in the body naturally starts to decline. Factors like poor diet, excess body fat, high stress levels, lack of exercise, and poor sleep can also impact hormone balance. Additionally, medical conditions involving the pituitary gland, thyroid, ovaries/testes and other hormone producing glands can alter optimal hormone levels. Identifying and addressing the root causes of imbalance allows for more targeted, effective treatment through hormone therapy.
Aging leads to a gradual decline in sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. In women, perimenopause - the transition period into menopause - usually begins in the 40s as the ovaries produce less estrogen/progesterone. Drops in testosterone, termed "andropause", can start as early as age 30 in men. Low hormone levels caused by aging result in troublesome symptoms that impact quality of life. The good news is that safe, effective hormone therapy can help correct age-related hormone deficiency.
When we perceive threats, real or imagined, the body’s “fight or flight” stress response kicks into high gear. The adrenal glands release stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. While this can be useful in life-threatening situations, high chronic stress has deleterious effects throughout the body - throwing off the delicate balance of hormones like thyroid, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Identifying and developing healthy stress relief practices are key, as stress management goes hand-in-hand with correcting hormone imbalance through replacement therapy.
Diet, exercise, sleep and more all influence our intricate web of hormones. Consuming lots of processed foods and sweets leads to excess body fat and heightened inflammation, both of which impact hormone levels. Too little physical activity can cause hormone producing glands to function suboptimally. Skimping on sleep reduces testosterone levels and sex drive over time. Fortunately, improving lifestyle factors creates an ideal foundation that allows hormone therapy to work most effectively.
Imbalanced hormones manifest in many ways physically and psychologically. Below are some of the most common signs of low testosterone, low thyroid, low estrogen/progesterone, high cortisol and other issues:
Left untreated, the consequences of long term hormone imbalance include risks for major health conditions like:
Catching and correcting hormone issues early on with replacement therapy can help mitigate these serious risks down the road.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) offers renewed vitality and health by restoring one’s hormone balance. Both men and women can gain major benefits from HRT. Below are some of the main candidates who tend to respond very well:
Supplementing the decline of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone relieves difficult menopause symptoms. Customized “bioidentical hormone therapy” provides women the exact hormones their bodies need for optimal functioning. This protects long term health and allows them to enjoy life again.
Testosterone therapy gives substantial benefits for men suffering from “andropause” due to aging or other causes of low testosterone. Increased energy, sex drive and performance, lean muscle mass, strength and stamina are commonly reported. Mood, motivation and cognition also tend to improve.
Balancing thyroid hormone levels through medications helps normalize metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, mood and menstrual cycles. Both low (hypothyroidism) and high (hyperthyroidism) thyroid levels can be effectively treated through hormone therapy methods.
Chronically high cortisol levels caused by excessive pressures and worrying puts health at risk. Therapies that regulate the major stress hormone cortisol help restore hormone equilibrium disrupted by modern high-strain lifestyles. Reduced anxiety, eased depression, lower blood pressure and stabilized blood sugar are possible benefits.
In short, a wide spectrum of patients stand to benefit from working with our clinicians to correct their underlying hormone imbalances.
Recent research has found that hormone therapy may help strengthen women's memory and thinking skills during menopause. Small doses started early on and continued for years seem to provide cognitive benefits that outweigh risks for some women struggling with memory and focus in midlife.
The first step is always pinpointing the specific hormonal issues at play through advanced diagnostic testing. This allows our doctors to see deficiencies or excesses and get to the root causes of symptoms. Targeted treatment plans are then crafted leveraging the latest evidence based protocols.
Second Spring Hormone Clinic specializes in true “body identical” hormones - not synthetic ones. Made from plant sources, these bioidentical hormones have a molecular structure identical to those within the human body. This allows for optimal assimilation and benefits. Dosages can be precisely customized and adjusted based on follow-up blood panels and symptom monitoring.
For women, we provide estradiol, progesterone and/or DHEA as needed to balance menopause. For men, testosterone therapy is administered to correct andropause low T issues. Thyroid and cortisol balancing treatments are also available where appropriate.
Hormone therapy works best when paired with adjunctive treatments and lifestyle changes like:
Second Spring Hormone Clinic takes an integrated, holistic approach - correcting hormone imbalance is just one piece of the wellness puzzle. Patients receive guidance and support addressing all lifestyle factors influencing hormone health for complete, lasting balance from the inside out.
In short, we leverage cutting edge diagnostics, proven treatment protocols and integrated care tailored to your unique needs.
Second Spring Hormone Clinic stands out from other clinics in the following ways:
Our seasoned medical team includes the top hormone therapy endocrinologists in London. With decades of specialized training and experience, they stay on the cutting edge of new treatment options and apply the latest research in all patient cases. You’re in exceptionally capable hands.
We take time listening to your health history and concerns, getting to know you as an individual. Customized treatment plans are then crafted to address the unique factors causing your hormone issues. Follow up is attentive - our staff works closely with you throughout your wellness journey.
While leveraging advanced hormone balancing medical therapies, we also emphasize lifestyle, nutrition and mindfulness as key components influencing hormone health. You receive wraparound support addressing all facets for complete vitality.
Our recently renovated Hampstead clinic provides a warm, welcoming environment for your consultations, screenings and follow up appointments. We offer onsite blood labs, screening tests, procedures and wellness services for comprehensive hormone care.
For hormone balancing therapy administered with an integrative orientation and personal touch, Second Spring Hormone Clinic is your home. Contact us today to learn more and get started correcting your hormone health, renewed energy and quality of life await!
Do not delay in getting evaluated if you exhibit multiple signs of hormonal issues. Identifying deficiency early allows for prompt treatment, alleviating symptoms and mitigating long term health implications. We can run initial bloodwork and assessments to uncover your imbalance causes quickly. The sooner your customized therapy begins, the faster relief comes.
Correcting the root hormonal imbalance frequently leads to widespread “global” benefits extending well beyond chief complaints that brought patients in initially . Enhanced quality of slumber, less anxiety, improved body composition, better concentration and more can all be side effects as hormones re-regulate.
The body and mind respond very well when given the proper levels of hormones they require but can no longer produce at optimal levels alone. Most find the various benefits of targeted therapy to be substantial - some even describe it as lifechanging. Energy renews, cognition clears, mood lifts and vitality returns. One feels “back to themselves” again.
Learn all you can about hormone health from trusted resources. The more knowledge patients have on the topics of perimenopause, andropause, thyroid conditions, cortisol and more, the better they understand treatment options. Our expert staff provides guidance, but self-education empowers you to be an active participant in your care.
In closing, if you see yourself or a loved one exhibiting any signs of hormone imbalance, do not hesitate - call Second Spring Hormone Clinic today to start the journey back to optimal wellness!
